Buyer, Business

For over 80 years,
Ernest has been committed to the success of our extended family, our customers, our employees, and the packaging industry itself. When you work with Ernest, you’ll enjoy the advantages of learning proven methods of success, a proactive approach, and having fun while earning what you’re worth with a lot of really awesome people.

Ernest is currently in search of a Merchandiser (Buyer) for our division located in Farmington Hills, MI. We are looking for talented individuals with a proven ability to manage vendor relationships and focus on cost savings. This is a full‑time position that offers a competitive base salary along with benefits and a wonderful company culture.

In this role you will be responsible for the purchasing, profitability and maintenance of select product lines while maintaining a professional relationship with our suppliers and acting as a liaison for designated product lines. You will also monitor market conditions, product changes, price level changes and purchase products at the lowest total cost while improving the quality of designated product lines.

In addition we are seeking someone who can make recommendations to the department for better results, which would include better methodologies, system improvements and streamlining procedures.

• Source and investigate new products
• Exceed expected turnaround times with external and internal customers (Ernest Personnel and Suppliers)
• Establish target selling prices on all made‑to‑order merchandise and all non‑stock items
• Create and maintain part numbers and initial cost set‑ups within Great Plains
• Monitor and manage inventory in Stock and JIT categories
• Update costing after verification by our vendors
• Processes merchandise control requests in a timely manner
• Maintain an up‑to‑date log of supplier increases
• Update and maintain accurate information on all reports
• Responsible for managing all documents: correspondence, quotes, etc.
• Maintain open communication with our suppliers on lead‑times
• Work effectively and professionally with inter‑departmental personnel
• Minimum of 2 years previous experience in a purchasing/procurement capacity
• Previous experience managing vendor relationships
• Problem analysis and problem resolution
• Process control and process improvement
• Planning and organization: the ability to plan and manage multiple projects
• Excellent communication and interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Related purchasing experience in the packaging or industrial industry is a plus

Pay range: $68k-73k

Work Location:

On site in person

Please learn more about Ernest by watching some of our Youtube videos:

Ernest is a nationwide company, but did you know that our humble roots started in a Los Angeles garage? Brothers Ernie and Charles Wilson founded the company in 1946 with a dedication to customized service. Even after decades of delivering great packaging to our customers, that commitment has never changed. We always find the best solution to fit our customers’ needs, even if we have to invent it!