POSITION SUMMARY: The Purchasing & Inventory Manager primary focus is to procure the necessary material for the implementation of design/build jobs, enhancements, and maintenance accounts. This role requires someone who can be analytically minded and possesses excellent negotiating skills to secure the best product according to budget without compromising quality. This position is also responsible for processing purchase orders, negotiating with suppliers, tracking orders, managing and maintaining inventory, coordination of deliveries, quality assurance and liaising with inventory teams and management. The Purchasing & Inventory Manager must assure that the quality of material being delivered is up to Lambert’s standard. This position will work with staff across departments to forecast needs of the business and make decisions based on demand. There is occasional travel associated with this role.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Production
Ability to negotiate prices and terms and to resolve conflicts with vendors
Extensive knowledge of plant material and best horticultural practices
Ability to build strong relationships with growers and vendors
Work with Designers, Projects Managers, Garden Managers to understand the jobs (i.e., timing, budget, plant choices, etc.)
Work with Designers, Project Managers, and Garden
Managers to develop planting plans based on job requirements and environment, as well as plant availability and flexibility for substitutions, etc.
Source and supply all plant, irrigation and building material for the job.
Build relationships with suppliers to get the best quality material available at the best cost.
Set up purchasing/billing accounts with viable vendors to streamline purchasing.
Develop and manage stock materials.
Visit suppliers to select quality material
Obtain quotes from multiple vendors before making a selection
Manage and maintain inventory on yard and depot
Supervisory and Personnel Responsibilities
Manage operations of Purchasing and Inventory Department.
Scheduling and monitoring activities and work of others.
Developing employees professionally.
Professional Development and Community & Public Relations
Obtain American Society of Horticulture Certification.
Maintain TNLA membership and attendance.
Train on departmental management.
Ability to project a professional image and a positive attitude in all situations
Administrative
Manage direct reports time and attendance.
Create performance reviews and any additional type of performance documentation.
Promote team concept and the Company’s Quality
Management System with all employees.
Conduct real time accurate time keeping at level required.
Responsible to work safely, assist in ensuring safe working conditions exist and report unsafe conditions to manager.
Responsible for Lambert’s process efficiencies, improvements and quality of work.
Decision Making: Weighing in on the cost and benefits of purchases and deciding which purchase will be the most profitable.
Interaction: Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job. Ability to convey information effectively.
Problem Solving: Identifying any purchasing problems with
vendors, evaluate all possible solutions and implement the best solution.
Planning & Flexibility: Ability to managing one's own time and the time of others. Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions or changes in circumstances.
Leadership: Takes initiative; motivates and engages others to perform their job tasks to the best of their ability.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS / QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Training: H.S. Degree / GED College Degree Certification/License*
Experience: Bachelors Degree in Horticulture plus 5 years experience or minimum of 10 years experience directly working in the horticulture industry.
Training and Certifications: Have valid driver’s license.
Special Skills and/or Abilities: − Possess a working knowledge of Green Industry and related disciplines. − Outstanding written and verbal English communication skills. − Familiarity with regional plant materials, planting techniques and overall landscape maintenance skills and procedures. − Must be familiar with cycle of sales. − Active Listening − Negotiation − Strong organizational and time management skills − Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook − Basic understanding of business math, accounting and financial reporting
Important Qualities and Characteristics:
− Ability to read and understand P&L statements, job costing, and departmental budgets. − Must be capable of performing under pressure as well as demonstrate flexibility in adapting to the ever-changing demands of the position and seasonality of the industry.