Senior Buyer

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure™ with local service, nationwide®. As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. Core & Main’s 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more.

  Job Summary

Responsible for purchasing key materials, parts, supplies and equipment following established purchasing policies and procedures, and optimizing price, delivery and terms.  

Major Tasks, Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities

• Reviews and approves purchase requisitions.
• Identifies potential suppliers and issues requests for quotations.
• Analyzes and selects suppliers, issues purchase orders; follows up and expedites as necessary.
• Develops, evaluates and manages supplier relationships to accomplish material cost, availability, and inventory goals. Investigates and qualifies suppliers.
• Tracks trends in industry, with key competitors, noted high performing companies and the worldwide economy, understanding their impact on and relevance to the business.
• Supports production/new production introduction activity by serving as a member and/or materials resource on product development teams.
• Conducts analysis and correction of price discrepancies utilizing accounting business partnerships. Leverages management input to ensure target levels are achieved to maximize profit margins.  

Nature and Scope

• Identifies key barriers/core problems and applies problem solving skills in order to deal creatively with complex situations. Troubleshoots and resolves complex problems. Makes decisions under conditions of uncertainty, sometimes with incomplete information, that produce effective end results. - Independently performs assignments with instruction limited to results expected. Determines and develops approach to solutions. Receives technical guidance only on unusual or complex problems or issues.
• May oversee the completion of projects and assignments, including planning, assigning, monitoring and reviewing progress and accuracy of work, evaluating results, etc. Contributes to employees professional development but does not have hiring or firing authority.

Work Environment  

• Most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position and there is frequent opportunity to move about. On rare occasions there may be a need to move or lift light articles.
• Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.
• Typically requires overnight travel less than 10% of the time.  

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age or older
• Must pass pre-employment assessment(s) if applicable  

Education and Experience

• Typically requires BS/BA in related discipline. Generally 5-8 years of experience in related field; certification is required in some areas OR MS/MA and generally 3-5 years of experience in related field. Certification is required in some areas.  

Core & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence.  Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship, or any other basis protected by law.

None of the questions in this application are intended to elicit information regarding any protected characteristics, nor imply any limitation, illegal preferences or discrimination based upon non-job-related information or protected characteristics.

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