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Job Description
Assistant Buyer - Landscape Materials & Supplies Scott Byron & Co., Inc. - 3.0 Lake Bluff, IL Job Details Full-time $55,000 - $70,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health savings account Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance 401(k) matching Life insurance Qualifications Environmental stewardship Plant identification Computer operation Employee relationship building English Research Construction materials quality assurance Bachelor's degree Industry trends Problem-solving Delivery management Negotiating purchasing contracts Implementing quality control processes for products Productivity software Full Job Description The Assistant Buyer supports senior buyers and the Procurement Manager in sourcing, evaluating, and procuring materials needed for production. This role ensures the timely delivery of high‑quality materials that meet project specifications, align with budget parameters, and support overall operational efficiency. The Assistant Buyer helps maintain strong vendor relationships, monitors inventory levels, and contributes to a reliable and cost‑effective supply chain.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential duties and responsibilities. Research, evaluate, and source materials including site furnishings, drainage products, irrigation components, hardscape materials, and green goods. Identify potential suppliers and assess quality, availability, and pricing to support project needs. Stay informed on market trends, pricing fluctuations, and material availability. Create and track purchase orders in Aspire, ensuring materials arrive on time and in accordance with project specifications. Conduct regular inventory counts and coordinate with the Yard/Nursery Logistics Manager to align deliveries and pickups. Inspect incoming deliveries for accuracy, quality, and potential damage. Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable service and competitive pricing. Communicate project changes, delivery timelines, and order updates to vendors. Resolve supplier issues promptly, including handling discrepancies and negotiating replacements for substandard materials. Ensure all materials comply with industry standards, local regulations, and project requirements. Reject and document any materials that fail to meet quality standards; coordinate corrective action with suppliers. Recommend alternative materials or new varieties suitable for specific landscaping or construction applications. Occasionally visit vendor sites to select materials and verify quality. Collaborate with production teams and the Procurement Manager to provide updates, address barriers, and ensure project needs are met. Communicate effectively across internal teams regarding procurement status, changes, and timelines. Understand and promote the importance of environmental stewardship/conservation and respect for natural resources in conjunction with company goals and objectives as they relate to client desires and sustainability initiatives. Develop and maintain good communication, high safety standards, and positive relations with coworkers, clients, and the public. Represent the Company in a positive manner befitting our brand and image. Adhere to and uphold all Company safety practices, procedures and policies. Promote a safe and positive work environment at all times. Responsible for compliance with established safety standards. Perform all other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Botanical Knowledge:
possess a comprehensive understanding of various species, their growth habits, and potential disease or pest issues.
Negotiation Skills:
Must possess the ability to negotiate favorable pricing and terms with suppliers.
Market Awareness:
Must be informed about current industry trends and pricing for different material varieties.
Quality Control:
Must possess the ability to identify and assess the quality of materials.
Logistics Management:
Must have experience of coordinating deliveries and managing inventory. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic computer skills are required. Experience in Aspire or other cloud-based management software is a plus. Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Must be able to communicate in English, including: read, write, and with use of computers and phones.
PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES
Employee shall also perform other incidental and related duties as required and assigned or implied from the foregoing, consistent with the background, training and qualifications of Employee or may be reasonably delegated as being in the best interests of the Company. The Employee shall devote full time to their employment and expend best efforts on behalf of Company. Employee further agrees to abide by all Company policies and decisions now or hereinafter existing.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, twist, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. Work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing: walking over rough, uneven surfaces; and recurring bending, crouching, stooping and reaching; and frequent lifting of moderately heavy items. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Work requires average physical agility and dexterity. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Generally, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is outdoors, and the employee will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. Employee will be expected to drive a company vehicle in performance of his/her duties. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Pay:
$55,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance
