Purchasing Associate- Avendra Strategic Accounts Universal

Job Description

The Purchasing Associate, Universal, is an Avendra representative dedicated to the client’s purchasing needs. The position will be based in the Frisco, TX area. The primary role is to fulfill the business purchasing needs as agreed with the client. In this role, the Purchasing Associate builds account relationships from a service perspective, ensuring high customer satisfaction.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create and place PO orders; source and obtain approval for substitute products for out of stocks.
• Investigate and work with distributors to resolve delivery, out of stock, or other challenges.
• Adjust par levels seasonally and order products for catering events as they take place.
• Gain feedback from Universal about stock level changes such as seasonality, new products, discontinued products.
• Request credits from distributors for missing or damaged products.
• Obtain QA approval for all new products before they are ordered such as approving spec sheets, nutritional information, and allergens.
• Communicate proactively and effectively with client stakeholders and suppliers.
• Build and foster relationships and effectively partner with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, collaborating with respective ordering locations.
• Assist suppliers with vendor set‑up with Universal.
• Perform data/spend analysis to identify opportunities for cost reduction and inventory management.
• Act as liaison with vendors to ensure organizational needs are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Travel (up to 10%) to client meetings & events as needed.
• Provide support for additional projects as needed.

Primary Competencies

• Planning and Organization
• Project Management
• Problem Solving & Analytical Skills
• Effective Written and Oral Communications
• Conflict Management
• Relationship Building
• Influencing Others (P3 and above)

Other Duties

Other duties may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment

This job operates in an office setting and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands

This is largely a sedentary role with some light lifting of files possibly needed.

Role Requirements

• Ability to learn and use ordering platform(s).
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong multitasking capabilities, project management skills, and ability to work effectively in an environment with tight deadlines.
• Self‑directed and able to work independently while also collaborating with various representatives of the client and other Avendra associates.
• Proven ability to foster and maintain working relationships, internally and externally.
• Excel in a fast‑paced environment and can quickly pivot to meet schedules.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships.
• Use good business judgement and balance being an advocate for the client’s interests, Avendra, and its contracted suppliers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills.
• Comfortable with firm confidentiality requirements.

Years of Relevant Experience

2-3 years of experience in operations or a purchasing role.

Education Requirements

Associate’s degree preferably in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Management, or related field.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

At Avendra, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.