The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

Job Announcement

 

Title: Special Order Consultant/Buyer

Department: BSC

Reports To: Purchasing Manager

Location: Fort Lewis, Washington

Hours: Thirty-five hour per week

 

Summary:

Assists customers in placing orders for goods not regularly stocked.  Performs research to locate specific items.  Quotes customer, coordinates with Purchasing Agent to assure timely purchase and receipt of merchandise to meet customer requirements.  Manages backorders, coordinates with receiving to identify special orders.  Notifies customer when order is available.

 

Responsibilities:

á    Manage and maintain special order program.

á    Works closely with customer to understand specific requirement.  Obtains NSN, brand name and part number or other information needed to assure item is consistent with customerÕs requirement. 

á    Performs research as required, utilizing FEDLOG, GSA Advantage, various catalogs and supplier brochures.

á    Calculates price to customer based on cost, including additional charges for freight, priority shipping or other charges.  Follows margin management methodology to ensure pricing complies with guidelines and meets financial objectives.

á    Maintains special order records in an organized manner that allows all store personnel easy access when a customer requests order status. 

á    Fills out all required information on special order request; including 2nd POC and credit card information.

á    May perform sales transactions, stock shelves, assist receiving and other operational duties.

á    Notify customer when order is available, follows up daily until order is completed.

á    Maintains strict confidentially regarding sources of supply, supplier prices, profit margins, customer lists and any customer credit card information.

á    May perform limited purchasing activities critical to support customer special orders under the direction and authority of purchasing, following LHB policies and procedures.

á    Identify new product opportunities based on analysis of requests and/or repeat orders.

á    Work closely with purchasing to assure orders are placed to support all backordered items.  Must check on availability prior to charging customer for any items not recently purchased or identified as discontinued.

á    Uses POS computer systems to help monitor special orders.  Works closely with Purchasing Agent to coordinate and communicate priority orders, and expedite as required.  Monitors open purchase orders and links to special customer order to ease coordination upon receipt of goods.

á    Establishes and maintains good working relationships with customer.

á    Assures system integrity by regularly auditing transactions and open orders.  Regularly reviews aged inventory that customers have not picked-up.  Dispositions as necessary.

á    Must maintain intimate familiarity of store selection, JWOD ETS, Executive Orders requirements and non-approved or restricted items to assure customers are buying from the stocked or mandated selection as required.

á    Assists in the coordination of inventory counts and reporting.

á    Introduces new ideas and suggestions to improve and maintain systems. Makes effort to remain aware of new technologies, products and suppliers that help the Base Supply Centers improve margins.

á    Reports pre-sold and backordered inventory identifies potential problems and recommends solutions such as vendor returns, stocking of floor or other action to remove open order status.

á    Maintains team philosophy, good relationships and promotes LHB mission.

 

Requirements:

á    BachelorÕs Degree required.

á    Three to five years retail experience a must.

á    Excellent planning, execution, analytical and communication skills required.

á    Detail oriented, must be accurate with a strong sense of urgency.

á    Possess leadership thinking, using sound judgment daily.

á    In depth product knowledge and demonstrated success in assisting customers with special ordering.

á    Ability to advise or demonstrate products usefulness or help compare features of similar items to help with customerÕs selection.

á    Through knowledge of retail office products, sources, price points and general retail business practices. 

á    Working knowledge of POS systems well versed in Excel and Word with proven ability to create database and spreadsheets, forms and related reports.

á    Knowledge of the JWOD program and other NIB agencies and their products is preferred.

á    Knowledge of military procurement practices preferred.

á    Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

á    Knowledge of warehouse systems and store operations.

á    Able to handle multiple tasks.

á    Requires some heavy lifting (30lbs) and standing for prolonged periods on concrete floors.

á    Commitment to LHB mission.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

 

Please send cover letter and resume to jobs@seattlelh.org or to:

 

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

Attn.: Don Helsel

2501 S. Plum Street

Seattle, Washington 98144

Telephone: (206) 436-2160

Fax: 206.436.2244

TTY: (206) 324-1388

 

To download an application and for more information about employment at the Lighthouse visit our website: www.SeattleLighthouse.org