Buy merchandise, equipment, spare parts, or commodities for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods; Evaluate and negotiate contracts with vendors; Track inventory and restocks of merchandise, equipment, spare parts, or commodities; Stay up to date on industry trends and new products; Compare available items or materials with industry trends to determine appropriate pricing; Research and find suppliers that produce quality items within the business' budget; gather and prepare documents like quotes, proposals and purchase terms and conditions from suppliers for management review; Act as the supplier's main points of contact and will answer any questions or address concerns the supplier has; Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield; Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements; May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products; May negotiate contracts; Coordinate route movement of incoming and outgoing freight cargo; coordinate import and export operations of the compant while following all legal requirements and regulations related to the import and export of goods, materials, or products from one country to another.
Job Function #1: Coordinate route movement of incoming and outgoing freight cargo.
Specific tasks: Identify and negotiate rates and shipping terms with freight forwarders and shipping lines. Determine the most cost-effective and efficient method of transport and delivery routes to reduce transit times and landed costs. Prepare and verify shipping documents, including bills of lading, packing lists, invoices, and customs/import-export paperworks. Act as the primary point of contact for carriers to handle routine freight issues, damages, missing items, or delays.
Techniques, tools and technologies: Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Platforms, like blue yonder, to compare shipping rates across multiple carriers and to automate booking; Global trade & tracking platforms: Tools like searates which provide real-time port-call timing. job function
Job Function #2: Coordinate import and export operations of the company while following all legal requirements and regulations related to the import and export of goods, materials, or products from one country to another.
Specific tasks: Book and coordinate incoming (import) and outgoing (export) shipments. Work with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international carriers to secure competitive rates and ensure on-time deliveries. Prepare and review shipping paperwork (e.g., commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and bills of lading) to prevent border delays. Ensure all goods are properly classified for accurate duty and tax calculation. adhere to government trade policies, embargo restrictions, and licensing requirements. Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with foreign suppliers to ensure quality, competitive pricing, and favorable payment terms. Reconcile supplier invoices against purchase orders and coordinate with the finance department to process payments and customs fees.
Techniques, tools and technologies: Enterprise solutions like oracle global trade management and SAP Global Trade Services (GTS) that automate compliance checks and tariffs. Automated checkers like visual compliance to screen suppliers and buyers against international sanctions lists.
DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Procurement Specialist has recommendatory power with respect to supply chain and purchasing decisions and selection of carriers and freight forwarders. He/she defers to the decision of the president. The Procurement Specialist does not have supervisory responsibilities and does not have the authority to hire, fire, or conduct performance reviews on other employees.
