Direct Goods Buyer

The Direct Goods Buyer role oversees the end-to-end procurement process for horticultural products. They will be responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies, negotiating contracts with suppliers, and ensuring a steady and cost-effective supply of horticultural goods. Collaborating closely with vendors, they will cultivate and manage relationships, monitor product quality, and enforce compliance with industry standards. Their contribution will be instrumental in maintaining a seamless supply chain, driving efficiency, and supporting the organization's goals in the horticulture sector.
• Support efforts in recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new employees. Foster a culture of continuous learning by providing training and development opportunities to enhance team skills and performance.
• Effectively manage employee performance by clearly communicating expectations, providing regular and constructive feedback, and addressing both positive contributions and areas for improvement. Foster a culture of accountability and continuous growth.
• Promote a positive and inclusive work environment by actively recognizing achievements, addressing employee concerns promptly, and using approaches to maintain high levels of employee satisfaction and retention.
• Oversee plant material purchasing for assigned territory, including issuing purchase order requisitions, and ensuring alignment with project needs, budgets, and timelines.
• Negotiate and manage supplier pricing and delivery terms, securing the best possible value for plant materials. Provide updated pricing and quotes for special projects to the estimating team and ensure timely communication of any price changes.
• Source and qualify new vendors to ensure consistent supply, reduce risk, and support regional project demands. Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers to ensure service reliability and quality standards are met.
• Collaborate with the logistics team on delivery requirements for internal and external plant deliveries, coordinating with branches on timing and specifications.
• Monitor and ensure plant material quality, verifying that all products meet or exceed applicable nursery or municipal standards. Proactively identify supply shortages or quality issues and recommend appropriate substitutions or corrective actions.
• Conduct site visits to nurseries or vendor locations, tagging plant materials and capturing submittal photos as required to support internal documentation or customer approval processes.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data and system parameters, such as lead times, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and volume price breaks, ensuring clean data in ERP or procurement systems to support accurate forecasting and inventory planning.
• Evaluate vendor performance and provide feedback, identifying opportunities to improve quality, service, or responsiveness. Support internal teams with vendor-related issues as needed.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of procurement operations. Collaborate with other procurement team members to standardize best practices across regions.
• Stay informed of industry trends and plant availability, including seasonal impacts, market shifts, or regulatory changes that may affect procurement decisions or material costs.
• Support the Procurement Coordinators in completing their essential functions during periods of absence or higher business demands.
• Perform other relevant duties, as assigned.

Qualifications
• Minimum of 5 years of horticulture in the landscaping industry progressive, preferably with 2 years of purchasing experience and at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in computer and technology skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and mobile devices.
• Ability to travel frequently to conduct site visits to nurseries, vendor locations and branches.
• Must possess a valid US driver’s license (or equivalent) and meet Motor Vehicle Record…