Job Summary:

Associate Buyer is responsible for supporting the timely procurement of the highest quality raw materials and operational goods/services required for the manufacture, distribution and sale of Lucchese product. This role is designed to build foundational procurement and category management capabilities through hands-on execution, cross-functional exposure and progressive responsibility within the Sourcing & Procurement organization.

Scope of job:  

• Purpose and Impact:This role supports the operational and production goals of the company by ensuring cost-effective,timely, and high-quality procurement forourmanufacturingneedswhile developingcore procurement capabilities and supporting consistent execution across categories.
• Key Stakeholder Interaction:Collaborates with production, warehouse,quality assurance,operationsand finance teams to forecast needs and resolveprocurement-related issues
• KPIs:Procurement execution accuracy, ERP data integrity, order cycle time, reduction in discrepancies, support of supplier on-time delivery/quality performanceand others as assigned

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Support procurement activities of raw materials and operational goods/services for manufacturing,DCand retail operations
• Assistin supplier communications to confirm orders, trackdeliveriesand resolve routine issues
• Partner withbuyers and leadership to support pricing,termsand supplier coordination efforts
• Support vendor relationship management activitiesincluding communication,follow-upand issue resolution
• Assistin evaluating vendor performance through data collection,reportingand analysis
• Process purchase orders,maintainrecords, and track order statusto ensureaccurateand on time deliveries
• Resolve issues related to order discrepancies, delays, or quality concerns
• Support inventory management effortsthroughcross-functional partnership and data collection
• Uphold Lucchese Bootmaker’s core values and policies
• Complete other duties as assigned by your leader

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Excellent communication and collaboration
• Strong negotiation and vendor management 
• High attention to detail andability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment
• Analytical mindset with a focus on cost optimization and efficiency
• Ability to troubleshoot issues and providetimelyresolutions, especially for urgent needs that couldimpactproductionor retail operations
• Proficiencyin inventory and procurement systems (e.g., ERP software)
• Proficiencyin Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel

Preferred Education, Experience, and/or Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or relevant to the experience
• Early career experience or internship exposure in supply chain, procurement,operationsor related field 
• Experienesupporting or collaborating within cross-functional teams
• CPIM(Certified Purchasing Inventory Management) or CSP (Certified Supply Chain Management) Certifieddesiredbut not a requirement

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periodsofsitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Standing andwalkingproduction floor forlong periodsof time 
• Must be able toliftup-to30pounds at times
• Mustbe able to hear, and listen,to effectively communicate
• Travel required up to20% ofthe time