Assistant Buyer - Landscape Materials & Supplies

The Assistant Buyer supports senior buyers and the Procurement Manager in sourcing, evaluating, and procuring materials needed for production. This role ensures the timely delivery of high‑quality materials that meet project specifications, align with budget parameters, and support overall operational efficiency. The Assistant Buyer helps maintain strong vendor relationships, monitors inventory levels, and contributes to a reliable and cost‑effective supply chain.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential duties and responsibilities.

• Research, evaluate, and source materials including site furnishings, drainage products, irrigation components, hardscape materials, and green goods.
• Identify potential suppliers and assess quality, availability, and pricing to support project needs.
• Stay informed on market trends, pricing fluctuations, and material availability.
• Create and track purchase orders in Aspire, ensuring materials arrive on time and in accordance with project specifications.
• Conduct regular inventory counts and coordinate with the Yard/Nursery Logistics Manager to align deliveries and pickups.
• Inspect incoming deliveries for accuracy, quality, and potential damage.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable service and competitive pricing.
• Communicate project changes, delivery timelines, and order updates to vendors.
• Resolve supplier issues promptly, including handling discrepancies and negotiating replacements for substandard materials.
• Ensure all materials comply with industry standards, local regulations, and project requirements.
• Reject and document any materials that fail to meet quality standards; coordinate corrective action with suppliers.
• Recommend alternative materials or new varieties suitable for specific landscaping or construction applications.
• Occasionally visit vendor sites to select materials and verify quality.
• Collaborate with production teams and the Procurement Manager to provide updates, address barriers, and ensure project needs are met.
• Communicate effectively across internal teams regarding procurement status, changes, and timelines.
• Understand and promote the importance of environmental stewardship/conservation and respect for natural resources in conjunction with company goals and objectives as they relate to client desires and sustainability initiatives.
• Develop and maintain good communication, high safety standards, and positive relations with coworkers, clients, and the public.
• Represent the Company in a positive manner befitting our brand and image.
• Adhere to and uphold all Company safety practices, procedures and policies.
• Promote a safe and positive work environment at all times.
• Responsible for compliance with established safety standards.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Botanical Knowledge: possess a comprehensive understanding of various species, their growth habits, and potential disease or pest issues.
• Negotiation
  
  Skills:
  
  Must possess the ability to negotiate favorable pricing and terms with suppliers.
• Market Awareness:
  Must be informed about current industry trends and pricing for different material varieties.
• Quality Control:
  Must possess the ability to identify and assess the quality of materials.
• Logistics Management:
  Must have experience of coordinating deliveries and managing inventory.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic computer skills are required. Experience in Aspire or other cloud-based management software is a plus.
• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be able to communicate in English, including: read, write, and with use of computers and phones.

• Employee shall also perform other incidental and related duties as required and assigned or implied from the foregoing, consistent with the background, training and qualifications of Employee or may be…