Tire Discounters

Compensation

Full Description

Tire Discounters, the nation's largest family-owned and operated tire business, was founded almost 50 years ago. We are dedicated to providing exceptional automotive service with a focus on transparency and care to our nearly 2,300 team members, we offer diverse career paths, industry-leading training, and a commitment to our core values. As a family-owned tire and automotive service retailer, our mission is to prioritize people and safety above all else. We are dedicated to delivering a "WOW" experience to our customers and team members, with a commitment to always do the right thing and challenge the status quo. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Buyer, Indirect Services partners with the purchasing team to execute strategies that drive organizational objectives across categories such as store services, equipment, and contracts. This role manages vendor relationships and service delivery for assigned categories, oversees capital equipment, and supports basic contract negotiations. Through proactive cost management, performance tracking, and process improvements, the Buyer, Indirect Services ensures operational efficiency, maximizes value, and maintains strong supplier performance to meet budget and service level targets. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Vendor & Category Management • Manage vendor relationships and act as escalation support for day-to-day service needs across assigned categories, which may include: Waste Management, Oil Recycling, Tire Recycling, Scrap Metal, Shop Gas, Coffee Services, vehicle lifts, tire service equipment, racking, and other indirect services and contracts as assigned. • Create Purchase Orders and place orders with vendors where applicable • Review and approve invoices where required in assigned categories • Conduct invoice audits to ensure vendor compliance and pricing accuracy • Manage spend within assigned categories to a budget. • Develop, implement, and monitor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with vendors. • Oversee RFQ/RFP processes for assigned categories as needed. • Anticipate store needs and develop proactive solutions before they become issues. • Identify and implement cost savings opportunities. Supplier Performance & Relationship Management • Conduct thorough research on assigned categories to become the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and inform negotiation, pricing strategies, and service delivery improvements. • Evaluate and assist in supplier performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and maintaining strong relationships. • Develop and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for assigned categories. • Identify and address performance gaps with suppliers to ensure quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness. Reporting & Analytics • Manage and update reports across multiple data sets, vendors, categories, and locations to track performance, spending, and service levels. • Provide weekly and monthly reports on category performance, KPIs, and spend versus budget. • Leverage procurement and reporting systems to analyze trends to inform decision-making processes and develop improvement strategies. Collaboration & Cross-Training • Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to ensure alignment and exceed expectations on store service. • Cross-train and provide support to other members of the purchasing and category management teams as needed. Contract & Compliance Oversight • Assist in reviewing and providing feedback on basic contracts. • Manage capital equipment vendors and purchases. Special Projects and other Duties as Needed • Undertake ad hoc and special projects as assigned to support departmental objectives and strategic initiatives. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: • Knowledge and understanding of procurement principles, procedures, and best practices, including sourcing strategies and vendor management. • Basic understanding of contract management practices, supply chain concepts, and logistics processes. • Basic understanding of financial concepts such as cost analysis, budgeting, and profitability metrics to inform procurement decisions. • Strong analytical and research skills. • Ability to develop recommendations and influence alignment • Ability to assess and prioritize objectives effectively, ensuring alignment with business priorities. • Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment. • Ability to work effectively in a team environment, fostering collaboration. • Comfort navigating ambiguous situations, with flexibility, adaptability, and agility in responding to business problems and opportunities. • Strong verbal and written communication skills, keen attention to detail, accuracy, and critical thinking. • Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and efficiency. • A highly developed sense of integrity and ability to uphold the highest ethical standards. • Possess a creative, innovative, and disruptive mindset, constantly looking for solutions. • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Excel, and Word; proficiency in procurement or project management software and tools is a plus. EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE: • Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • Minimum one to two years of experience in a retail environment or purchasing function. • Experience in supply chain management or procurement function is beneficial. • Experience and familiarity with the automotive sector is a plus. • Prior experience in dealing with suppliers, manufacturers, distributors as well as company stores preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: • Work is typically performed in an office setting, with occasional visits to retail store environments, warehouses, or vendor facilities. • This position requires the ability to communicate effectively in person and/or over the phone, requiring the ability to talk and/or hear. • The role may occasionally require lifting and/or carrying items weighing up to 25 pounds. • Duties may involve extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, as well as periods of standing or walking. • Use of hands and fingers is required for handling or feeling objects, operating office equipment, and reaching with hands and arms. • The position may involve occasional travel to company locations, vendor sites, or industry events.