Purchasing Associate

HPI - High Performance Identity TM, is a leading designer and manufacturer of corporate uniforms and image apparel. Headquartered in Dunwoody, Georgia, we develop & manage award-winning uniform & employee identity programs for many of the largest brands in the food service, retail, transportation, security and hospitality industries. HPI leverages state-of-the-art web technology, apparel design, distribution and global manufacturing to deliver the best purpose-built uniform solutions to our customers world-wide. HPI is the $150 million corporate uniform division of Superior Group of Companies. TM (NASDAQ: SGC)

JOB SUMMARY

The purchasing associate oversees any changes related to purchase orders (POs) and their status. He or she uses sound judgement in making recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates in sourcing garment and non-garment products for new and existing customers, and obtains pricing from vendors
• Prepares purchase orders (POs) in accordance with company policy
• Quickly and accurately issues POs
• Reviews purchase order acknowledgements and resolves accounts payable and PO price discrepancies
• Manages open POs and vendor shipping information to ensure on time delivery
• Monitors open purchase orders to ensure that all merchandise ordered is received
• Manages new vendor set up process by obtaining necessary information from vendor and submitting completed new vendor form for approval and entry into SAP
• Partners with suppliers to coordinate shipments and with Receiving to ensure any missing or mis-shipped item issues are corrected
• Partners with Planning and with account managers regarding any inventory issues, such as back orders and discontinued items
• Occasionally coordinates between account managers, technical design team and vendor to ensure that all parties have complete and accurate information regarding garment modifications

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED SKILL/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required, Associate’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 5 years’ purchasing experience
• Keen attention to detail and adherence to deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to work well under pressure
• High sense of urgency

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

2 years of sourcing experience preferred

COMPETENCIES

• Negotiating – They identify key bargaining points for all parties and work effectively toward win-win solutions.
• Information Seeking – Purchasing Agents are driven by an underlying curiosity and desire to know more about things, people, or issues. This involves going beyond routine questions and includes digging or pressing for exact information; resolving discrepancies by asking a series of questions; or conducting less-focused environmental scanning for opportunities or miscellaneous information that may be used in the future.
• Planning and Priority Setting – They identify priorities and develop detailed action plans that include objectives, accountabilities, time frames, standards, review stages, and contingencies.
• Deliberative Decision Making – They gather, consider, and evaluate all relevant information to make logical conclusions before being moved to action. They are able to put aside personal biases and take an objective approach to making decisions based on data or other pertinent facts.
• Influence and Persuasion – They are effective in persuading, convincing, influencing, or impressing others in order to get them to support a specific agenda, make a specific type of impression, or take a specific course of action.
• Business Acumen – They make sound business decisions based on a strong understanding of the company’s business model, strategic goals, and relevant policies, as well as best practices and current technologies in one’s own discipline or functional area.
• Relationship Building – They develop effective long-term professional interactions with others based on trust: trust that they will always work toward the best interest of those involved and that they are sufficiently competent to provide positive results.
• Time Management – Purchasing Agents are able to manage multiple responsibilities by being organized and keeping on top of important time-sensitive tasks.

**Along with a generous Compensation Package, the company offers an excellent Benefits Package, including Medical, Dental, Bonus Eligibility, a Defined Contribution Plan (e.g. 401(k)), Life Insurance, Long Term Disability and a Flexible Spending Account.

EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.