Lead Buyer

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Lead Buyer to drive our procurement strategy and manage the end-to-end purchasing function for our CPG business. This role is critical in ensuring optimal inventory levels and cost efficiency while supporting our company's growth objectives. The ideal candidate will combine Oracle Fusion expertise with planning excellence to deliver measurable results in a fast-paced consumer goods environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Lead and optimize the day-to-day buying function, ensuring timely, accurate, and cost-effective procurement of raw materials and finished goods
• Develop and execute Oracle Fusion best in class processes
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement processes

Supply Chain Management & Planning

• Serve as the primary liaison for Oracle Fusion Planning Processes, ensuring seamless integration between supply and forecasted demand
• Execute weekly purchase order reconciliation to maintain accurate due dates and proactively track incoming shipments
• Partner with demand planning teams to synchronize procurement timing with market demand and inventory optimization goals
• Manage inventory replenishment signals and maintain optimal safety stock levels based on product classification and velocity
• Review forecasts weekly and adjust purchasing plans to prevent stockouts or overstock situations
• Monitor inbound shipments, vendor confirmations, and delivery timelines to ensure supply continuity
• Proactively address low-stock risks and communicate recovery plans cross-functionally
• Work closely with our Asia-based team to optimize shipment timing and logistics coordination
• Analyze SKU-level trends to adjust order quantities, safety stock, and replenishment frequency.
• Identify slow-moving, obsolete, or excess inventory and drive action plans to reduce exposure
• Collaborate with freight forwarders to coordinate international shipments, customs clearance, and ensure full compliance with import/export regulations
• Collaborate with existing suppliers on order status, shipment tracking, and lead-time consistency
• Escalate delays and work with vendors to expedite shipments when required
• Manage shipping documentation for customs clearance and verify booking accuracy and destination alignment with company targets
• Work closely with our Asia-based team to optimize shipment timing and logistics coordination

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with sales teams daily to address out-of-stock situations and develop strategic solutions that support customer service excellence
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to forecast business needs and align procurement strategies with demand projections
• Work with accounts payable to resolve invoice discrepancies and maintain strong vendor relationships
• Support new product development by evaluating and sourcing innovative items that drive cost savings and operational efficiency

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field
• 5+ years of procurement experience in CPG or related consumer goods industry
• Proven expertise with Oracle Fusion planning systems or similar MRP platforms
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills with demonstrated cost savings achievements
• Experience managing international suppliers and understanding of import/export compliance
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities

Preferred but not required:

• Experience with pet products, home goods, or similar consumer categories
• Knowledge of Asian supply markets and supplier networks
• APICS or other supply chain certifications
• Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities

ABOUT PETMATE

Petmate is a global leader in pet supply products. Some of our most beloved brands include Chuckit!®, Arm & Hammer®, Barkbone®, Gamma2®, HyperPet®, JW Pet®, La-Z-Boy®, Mad Cat®, Petmate®, Vittles Vault® and Wild Eats®.

Over 60 years ago, Petmate began with a single focus on providing safe pet transportation, which resulted in the creation of the first dog kennel. Flash forward to today, and the same love and bond that existed to provide safe travels for our pets now permeates through every step of pet and pet owners’ shared adventure.

Knowing that pets are every bit as much a part of the family, Petmate takes pride in developing new, superior products that improve the quality of life and enrich the bond created between people & their pets. From environmentally responsible manufacturing to rigorous product testing, we place safety at the core of what we make and how we make it.

Our 25 trusted brands continually drive innovation across pet categories, spanning dog and cat toys, feeding and watering, food storage, carriers, shelters, bedding, consumables and more.

OUR WHY: To enrich the lives of families by cultivating the bond between people & their pets

OUR VISION: Families everywhere trust us more than any other company to enhance the well-being of their pets at every step of their adventure

Petmate Core Values

OWN IT! We take full responsibility for our actions, decisions, and their outcomes

STEADFAST DETERMINATION: Steady pursuit of what's next with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm

DO THE RIGHT THING: Consistent alignment of actions and values in every situation, ensuring you're always true to what's right

SAFETY WITHOUT COMPROMISE: We prioritize the safety of employees, consumers, and pets without compromise

Petmate is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.