Buyer / Purchasing Specialist

Description

Position Summary
The Purchasing Specialist manages international product purchasing from order creation through warehouse delivery. This role oversees vendor coordination, international logistics, quality assurance, and purchasing analytics to ensure products arrive on time, meet quality standards, and maintain target margins. The position works closely with Product Design, Warehouse Operations, and Customer Experience to ensure seamless product flow from manufacturer to client. 

International Purchasing & Vendor Management 

• Manage international purchasing of furniture and home goods across multiple manufacturers in China, Vietnam, India, and other global markets. 
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to support production timelines, pricing consistency, and quality standards. 
• Source and vet new manufacturers in partnership with the Product Design team. 
• Collaborate with vendors on product samples, specifications, and production timelines. 

Purchase Orders & Financial Oversight 

• Create and manage purchase orders within NetSuite. 
• Submit and track proforma invoices and coordinate deposits and final payments with Finance. 
• Monitor product margins and ensure purchasing decisions align with company margin targets. 
• Maintain accurate purchasing documentation and vendor records. 

International Shipping & Logistics 

• Coordinate international shipments with freight partners such as OEC, Expeditors, and other logistics providers. 
• Maintain detailed shipment tracking from origin to warehouse delivery. 
• Proactively monitor production and transit timelines and identify potential delays. 

Product Quality & Receiving 

• Oversee quality assurance of inbound product, including inspection for damage, accuracy, and craftsmanship. 
• Coordinate with warehouse staff on receiving procedures and documentation of damaged or incorrect goods. 
• Track and report on product damage rates and vendor performance. 

Reporting & Operational Insights 

• Monitor purchasing trends, vendor lead times, and inventory needs. 
• Provide regular reporting on margins, shipment timelines, and damage rates. 
• Identify opportunities to improve vendor performance, product quality, and purchasing efficiency. 

Customer Communication 

• Partner with the Customer Experience team to provide timely updates to clients when items are delayed or production timelines change. 
• Ensure accurate and transparent communication regarding product availability and shipping timelines. 

Inventory Management 

• This role will assist with annual inventory counting across two locations. 

Requirements

Qualifications 

• 2+ years experience in international purchasing, procurement, or supply chain operations 
• Experience working with NetSuite or similar ERP systems 
• Familiarity with international freight and logistics coordination 
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills 
• Ability to analyze purchasing data including margins, lead times, and damage rates 
• Excellent communication skills for vendor coordination and internal collaboration 

Benefits of working for Scout: 

• Opportunity for growth within the company
• Benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k)
• Happy hours, team lunches, company outings & more!
• Personal Time Off and an extra day off for your birthday! 

Success at SCOUT requires that…. 

• You are a doer, and you get things done.
• You’re a team player.
• You’re humble.
• You are honest, straightforward, and transparent.
• You are approachable and accessible.
• You want to get your hands dirty.
• You solve problems.
• You are resilient and flexible.
• You are entrepreneurial, smart, and passionate.
• If you don't know something, you say so. Then go figure it out quickly.
• You love working in a creative environment.
• You have a sense of humor.
• You are an insatiable learner.