Buyer

Talon Hiring Solutions has a client that is seeking an analytical, proactive, and detailed-oriented Buyer to join there purchasing team in Homewood, AL. This role is responsible for purchasing and inventory replenishment activities that ensure customers get the products they need, when they need them. The ideal candidate will have strong purchasing and inventory management experience, the ability to analyze data and make sound decisions, and the confidence to build and manage supplier relationships. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and taking ownership of purchasing activities from start to finish.

What You’ll Do:

• Manage purchasing and inventory replenishment activities to maintain product availability while balancing inventory investment and company profitability
• Monitor inventory levels, demand, replenishment plans, inventory turns, and aging inventory to identify opportunities or potential risks
• Proactively identify and resolve purchasing-related shortages and backorders
• Monitor supplier performance, including on-time delivery, fill rates, order accuracy, and purchase order compliance
• Build and maintain strong day-to-day relationships with assigned suppliers
• Address supplier issues, customer requests, product concerns, returns, and other supply-related challenges
• Negotiate pricing, discounts, freight/transportation arrangements, and other commercial terms within established authority
• Review purchase price variances, validate cost changes, and ensure purchasing data is accurate
• Provide data-driven recommendations based on demand, supply conditions, inventory levels, and business needs
• Partner with internal teams to resolve purchasing and supply chain issues
• Identify recurring problems, process inefficiencies, and opportunities for continuous improvement
• Maintain ownership and follow-through on purchasing issues through resolution
• Provide backup support for other purchasing responsibilities as needed

What you will bring:

• 3–5 years of experience in buying, purchasing, procurement, inventory management, operations, or a related supply chain role.
• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred
• Experience managing supplier relationships and purchasing activities
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to identify discrepancies, risks, and root cause
• Experience making purchasing or inventory decisions based on data and business need
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and changing priorities
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data accurac
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with both suppliers and internal stakeholder
• Ability to work independently while knowing when to collaborate or escalate issue
• A proactive, solution-oriented approach with a willingness to challenge existing processes and recommend improvement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outloo
• Experience with Acumatica ERP, StockIQ, Zendesk, Microsoft Copilot, or Power BI is a plus