Buyer I

Description

Position: Buyer I

About the role:

The Buyer I is responsible for managing the sourcing and procurement of both raw materials and finished goods, ensuring alignment with internal demand, production schedules, and inventory strategies. This role plays a critical part in optimizing DecoArt’s supply chain by proactively identifying sourcing opportunities, coordinating cross-functionally, and maintaining strong vendor relationships. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, cost-conscious, and confident navigating sourcing decisions that directly impact production continuity and customer satisfaction.

Do you have what it takes?

We pride ourselves in being flexible, but there are some things we feel very strongly about. We are careful to select people for our team that have demonstrated excellence through their skills, character, and background. It takes talent and drive to meet the challenges of our rapidly evolving environment – and that’s all the fun! We are all driven to produce a quality product as we have a passion for our work. Are you looking for new ways to raise the bar and don’t blink at challenges? Do you want a fulfilling career that takes advantage of your talents? If so, then it’s time to join DecoArt. Now is the time to be a part of something big!

What you will be doing:

Strategic Sourcing (Raw Materials & Finished Goods)

• Lead sourcing initiatives for raw materials and finished goods based on demand forecasts, sales trends, and production needs.
• Actively collaborate with planning, production, and sales to understand short- and long-term material requirements.
• Prioritize internal inventory optimization by sourcing from within DecoArt’s network before engaging external suppliers.
• Evaluate sourcing alternatives to reduce lead times, minimize costs, and mitigate supply risk.

Internal Alignment & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal teams to align procurement activities with business objectives, ensuring sourcing decisions support product availability and margin goals.
• Provide insights and recommendations on material substitution, internal transfers, or excess inventory utilization.
• Work closely with Quality, Product Development, and Operations to ensure sourced items meet performance and compliance requirements.

Supplier & Contract Management

• Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships, regularly evaluating performance related to pricing, lead time, quality, and service.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to achieve optimal value and reliability.
• Support contract reviews and ongoing supplier agreements to ensure consistent supply and cost stability.

Inventory & Data Management

• Maintain accurate sourcing data, including lead times, costs, and MOQ requirements within procurement systems.
• Monitor SKU-level inventory data to identify purchasing triggers, prevent stockouts, and reduce slow-moving inventory.
• Support continuous improvement of procurement and inventory processes.

Reporting & Analysis

• Generate and analyze procurement reports related to cost savings, supplier performance, and inventory health.
• Provide sourcing insights to support leadership decisions and contribute to the overall supply chain strategy.

What you need: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent related work experience
• 1-3 years of professional experience as a Buyer or in a similar procurement role preferred
• Three or more years of professional sourcing experience preferred
• Background in sourcing or procurement within a $10M+ organization
• Professional experience in sourcing international suppliers required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Programs, with expertise in Excel, and experienced with procurement software required
• Clear and confident communicator with the proven ability to present to various stakeholder groups
• Ability to prioritize and balance competing priorities to meet deadlines and business needs
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and market trends
• Knowledge of supply chain management principles and best practices
• Detail-oriented with a proactive, solution-focused approach
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently with minimal supervision
• Ethical and professional conduct in all interactions
• Ability to travel to other Company locations as needed, including overnight travel

What we offer:

• Competitive base salary
• Comprehensive benefit package including quality health insurance, vision, dental, disability and life insurance
• Traditional 401k plan and company match
• Paid time off including paid holidays

Where you'll be: 

• 220 Lexington Green Circle, Suite 400, Lexington, KY 40503

What we’d like from you:

• A resume that illustrates why you are the right person for this role  

Come and Be Inspired!

For 40 years DecoArt has inspired creativity. In our consumers we inspire the creativity to craft, decorate, and make. In our employees we inspire the creativity to innovate, problem solve, and get things done. Come and Be Inspired!

DecoArt is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and committed to creating an inclusive employee experience for all. We welcome all qualified job seekers regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for this position, email HR@decoart.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.