Position Summary

The Junior Buyer is an administrative position responsible for the procurement of products for both the JSS Tools & Supplies and Seeds lines. This position will negotiate and execute purchases, using procurement best practices to define the scope of the work, conduct vendor analysis, initiate the bid process, recommend vendor selections, and place purchase orders. This position will report to the Assistant Manager of Purchasing in the Winslow, Maine facility.

Responsibilities

• Purchases materials or other goods and or coordinates activities involved with procuring goods, such as raw and enhanced seeds, tools, and supplies.
• Responsible for releasing, tracking, and posting drop ships. Troubleshooting with Customer Care and the Vendors to resolve any issues that may arise.
• Responsible for assistance on importing shipments from all Suppliers- permits and arranging inbound shipments.
• Monitors inventory levels of assigned product line items and maintains inventory levels to less than 2 years on hand.
• Determines purchase quantities and develops buy plans and delivery schedules to meet established service levels.
• Responsible for maintaining purchasing master data in ERP systems; accurate product flags and messages on skus.
• Maintains vendor records with accurate contact information, terms, costing, conditions of sale, and shipping methods.
• Works cross-functionally in teams and contributes to Product Status Teams, when working with stock outages or delays.
• Works with Product Managers on securing pricing and availability of New Products.
• Responsible for cost control i.e.: negotiation for best pricing and terms with suppliers.
• Develops and maintains relationships with international and domestic suppliers to ensure the acquisition of products at the most economical cost, continuity of supply, and consistently superior customer service.
• Effectively participates in cross-functional teams to ensure a positive impact on overall business operations.
• Works effectively in a team environment (product management, quality assurance, sales, marketing, and operations) to support the overall company goals and to ensure the highest customer satisfaction.
• Assists in the development and implementation of procurement process improvements and gathers end-user feedback to identify improvement opportunities within the general procurement process.
• Provide administrative support and backup support for the Buyers in all procurement activities. Tasks will be both regularly scheduled and, on an ad-hoc, as-needed basis.
• Additional responsibilities and tasks as required.

Education

• Applied knowledge of organic and sustainable farming operations.

Qualifications & Skills

• 0-3 years purchasing experience.
• Computer proficiency a must, including, all Microsoft applications.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills required.
• Ability to effectively multitask in a fast paced, demanding environment is essential.
• Highly motivated team player.
• Agricultural or horticultural experience a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for 8 hours per day at 3-hour increments in a static position in front of a computer.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to access all areas of the building.
• Ability to occasionally bend, crouch, climb stairs, and reach.
• Ability to read, write, and verbally communicate.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (HMO, PPO, HSA)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & Profit Sharing
• 401(k)
• Employee Discount
• Maternity/Paternity/Adoption & Foster Care Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Company Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Educational Assistance

JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS was established in 1973 by our Founder, Rob Johnston, Jr. Today we are 100% Employee Owned. Johnny’s mission is Helping families, friends, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information, and service.

Johnny’s is renowned for our exceptional customer service offering seeds, tools, supplies and information to direct-market growers and avid home gardeners. We source, breed, trial, and sell outstanding selected varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and farm seed, as well as thoughtfully designed tools and equipment. We take pride in the wealth of information and depth of experience we offer our customer base, nationwide and globally.

We are a strong, stable company focused on growth while still maintaining our small company feel and staying true to our roots. Beautiful Central Maine, where our research farm, warehouse, and offices are located, is the perfect launching point for an active, four-season lifestyle. Geographically situated halfway between Maine’s mountains and its 4500-mile-long coastline, we’re a short drive away from resorts, parks, and harbors renowned for a rich diversity of recreational and cultural opportunities.

If you are passionate about good, healthy food and would choose to work for a company with fellow co-owners who are passionate about our mission and values, Johnny’s may be the place for you!

Johnny’s Selected Seeds is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.

10/30/2024