Job Summary:

The Inventory Analyst/Buyer develops, implements and maintains stock control systems and procedures within a computerized environment, establishes and/or revises reorder points and quantities, purchases a variety of inventory equipment and supplies, conducts inventory audits, carries out follow-up activities, contacts suppliers and representatives, controls inventory content and levels, prepares relevant records and reports, and establishes and maintains an inventory catalogue system.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Develops, implements and maintains stock control systems and procedures utilizing a computerized information system to control and provide information regarding inventory content and levels.

2. Establishes and/or revises re-order points and quantities by reviewing a variety of information such as usage, availability, cost, and storage requirements to ensure optimum inventory levels are maintained.

3. Purchases a variety of inventory equipment and supplies by selecting suppliers, negotiating price and delivery dates, and preparing and approving purchase orders; negotiates transportation charges, directs purchases from alternate sources, and negotiates restocking charges and claims.

4. Audits inventory levels by conducting regular and spot physical checks and comparing actual to recorded inventory levels; investigates discrepancies; resolves or refers problems to Supervisor.

5. Carries out follow-up activities such as monitoring delivery dates, resolving shipping problems, reviewing credit notes, investigating order discrepancies, making price adjustments, and expediting late deliveries.

6. Contacts suppliers and representatives to maintain sources of supply; interviews supplier's representatives; evaluates and provides information on supplier performance as required.

7. Controls inventory content and levels by reviewing and analyzing stock/non-stock usage reports and stock status reports; confers with user departments regarding inventory requirements.

8. Prepares relevant records and reports; gathers background statistical information for use in the preparation of tenders.

9. Answers inquiries on outstanding purchase orders and related requests for information; follows up on requests as required.

10. Establishes and maintains an inventory catalogue system by preparing descriptions of items and assigning stock numbers.

11. Ensures inventory supplies are labeled and organized; removes obsolete and adds new items.

12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

• Grade twelve (12), supplemented by recognized purchasing courses plus five (5) years' recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.