Buyer (heavy truck parts)

Req ID: 432988 

BASIC PURPOSE: The Buyer/Purchasing Analyst will play a pivotal role in vendor engagement, negotiation, and data management for non-inventory purchasing functions for our Truck Parts team. This position involves identifying potential vendors, articulating Love's story, and fostering relationships to establish beneficial partnerships.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES (BOTH Establishing & Executing):

• Vendor Engagement and Onboarding
  • Identify and approach potential vendors, conveying Love's values and reasons for collaboration.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with existing vendors to enhance collaboration.
  • Ensure thorough onboarding processes for new vendors.
• Contract Negotiations and Program Management
  • Negotiate annual programs, focusing on payment terms, shipping terms, and defective policies.
  • Reconcile and execute negotiated programs efficiently.
  • Anticipate and negotiate future terms to enhance vendor relationships and Love's competitiveness.
  • Collaborate on marketing programs, including MDF, coop, and future initiatives like VIRs and product-specific cost improvements.
• Data Management and Analysis
  • Manage data entry, ensuring accuracy before generating purchase orders and finalizing pricing/programs.
  • Collaborate with of Truck Parts team to establish effective communication with Love's Direct Vendors.
  • Collect and analyze data to inform strategic decisions and maximize rapport with vendors.
• Collaboration and Strategy Implementation
  • Work closely with internal and external departments to ensure seamless collaboration.
  • Implement strategies to maximize rapport, ensuring effective and positive vendor relationships.
  • Continuously seek opportunities for improvement in vendor interactions and purchasing processes.
• Handle other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Education:
  • HS Diploma or equivalent required
  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Experience:
  • 1+ years of experience in project management, vendor management, or merchandising is required.
  • 3+ years of experience in project management, vendor management, or merchandising is preferred.
  • Experience with heavy truck parts and automotive parts purchasing is a plus.

       SKILLS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Skills:
  • Hard Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, knowledge of other software such as SAP applications or product lifecycle management is advantageous.
  • Soft Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, multitasking ability, strong organizational skills, flexibility, and good relationship skills. Ability to work with various levels of management, and self-motivated to take on additional tasks.
• Typical Physical Demands:
  • Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping.
  • Occasional lifting, up to 25 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.
  • Requires normal range of hearing and vision.
  • Must be available to travel when needed (traveling by car and plane about 10% of the time).

truck parts, automotive parts, heavy truck parts, heavy duty truck parts, trucking parts, fleet parts maintenance, heavy duty vehicle parts purchasing and vendor negotiation.

Job Function(s): Corporate 

Love’s has been fueling customers’ journeys since 1964. Innovation and perseverance continue to lead the way for the family-owned and -operated business headquartered in Oklahoma City with more than 40,000 team members in North America and Europe. The company’s core business is travel stops and convenience stores with more than 630 locations in 42 states. Love’s continues its commitment to offer products and services that provide value for professional drivers, fleets, four-wheel customers, RVers, alternative fuel and wholesale fuel customers. Giving back to communities Love’s serves and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace are hallmarks of the company’s award-winning culture.

The Love’s Family of Companies includes:

• Gemini Motor Transport, one of the industry’s safest trucking fleets.
• Speedco and Love’s Truck Care, the largest oil change and preventive maintenance and total truck care network.
• Musket, a rapidly growing, Houston-based commodities supplier and trader.
• Trillium, a Houston-based alternative fuels expert.
• TVC Pro-driver, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) protection subscription service.