Assistant Buyer

Assistant Buyer The Opportunity As an Assistant Buyer at Rio Grande, you will play a critical role in supporting the Supply Chain team through data management, special order sourcing, item setup, and project participation. This position serves as a key link between Buyers, Merchants, Vendors, Sales, and internal business partners to ensure accurate product information, efficient special\-order processing, and timely execution of supply chain initiatives. The Assistant Buyer helps drive operational excellence by maintaining system accuracy, supporting customer special orders, and providing essential administrative and project support that allows the Supply Chain team to focus on strategic growth opportunities. What You'll Do Supply Chain Data Management \& System Maintenance Enter, maintain, and update item, vendor, and product information within SAP and other business systems. Ensure data integrity through accurate and timely system updates. Support data entry and system maintenance activities related to supply chain projects and initiatives. Special Order Sourcing \& Pricing Source customer\-requested special\-order products by identifying suppliers and obtaining cost, availability, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and lead times. Analyze supplier quotes and develop customer pricing using established pricing structures and guidelines. Communicate product availability, lead times, and pricing information to Sales teams. Coordinate with Merchants when pricing falls outside standard guidelines. Item \& Product Setup Create and maintain new item records and outlet items in SAP. Input product specifications and attributes into EnterWorks templates. Review and validate items prior to going live on company websites and sales platforms. Administrative \& Project Support Support Buyers and Merchants by completing assigned operational and project\-related tasks. Gather, organize, and maintain information needed to support supply chain initiatives. Respond promptly to internal requests and prioritize work to meet service level expectations. Assist with cross\-functional projects that improve operational efficiency and business performance. Documentation \& Process Improvement Develop, update, and maintain supply chain process documentation. Provide feedback to Merchants regarding customer\-requested products and special\-order trends. Move this to Special Order Sourcing and Pricing section. What You'll Need High school diploma or equivalent required. 2\+ years of experience in purchasing, buying support, supply chain, administrative support, customer service, or related field. Experience working with data entry, product information management, or business systems. Strong communication and relationship\-building skills. Ability to analyze and interpret vendor quotations and pricing information. Understanding factors that influence product costs, such as supplier cost, and precious metal markets. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Effective problem\-solving and decision\-making abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast\-paced environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat. Preferred Qualifications Experience with SAP or other ERP systems. Exposure to purchasing, product sourcing, inventory management, or merchandising environments. Experience supporting cross\-functional projects. Work Environment \& Schedule Primarily an office\-based work environment. Regular use of computers, business systems, and communication tools. Frequent interaction with internal stakeholders, vendors, and sales teams. Standard business schedule: Monday through Friday Between the Hours of 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Physical Requirements Ability to perform standard office duties, including frequent computer use and data entry. Ability to communicate effectively through email, phone, and virtual collaboration tools. Reporting Structure Reports To:Procurement Manager For more information about us please visit: www.riogrande.com Rio Grande is a Metal Free environment within our operations areas. At Rio Grande, our employees are the heart of our more than 80\-year legacy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our culture is guided by our 3R principles: Respect, Responsibility, and Results. We believe in a bias to action mindset that turns ideas into outcomes and in empowering employees to take initiative, grow through continuous learning, and making meaningful impacts every day. Recognized as a 2025 Platinum Award Family Friendly Business, we promote a work\-life balance, clear expectations, and a supportive environment, including quality benefits, robust wellness resources, and an onsite fitness facility. Through our employee recognition and community involvement, we celebrate individuality, foster belonging, and ensure every voice is valued. A career at Rio Grande offers more than a job. You’ll join a workplace where your contributions matter and your growth is supported. Your work will help shape the future of the company and support our customers and industry. Guided by our core values, Rio Grande is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect. We are an equal\-opportunity employer with a zero\-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. As an advocate for equity and equality, we hire, train, and promote qualified people of all backgrounds. We consider employment candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other underrepresented class. We value our associates and have won the yearly Healthiest Places to Work and Family Friendly Business awards on multiple occasions. The Reward: Rio Grande provides a generous benefit package for full\-time (30\+ hours a week) associates that includes: Medical plan with low premium rates and no high deductible (includes dental and vision) and telemedicine 401(k) matching program Paid time\-off benefits, plus an additional seven paid holidays Paid life insurance and optional additional life insurance Long\-term and short\-term disability Flexible spending account Pet insurance Tuition reimbursement On\-site gym and company wellness program Bereavement leave Employee discounts at Rio Grande Local and national discounts on various travel and entertainment * Competitive compensation, including an opportunity to share in the profits Our associates strive for joint accountability. We work together for the success of our stakeholders, and we provide a thoughtful, fun, and creative environment to support them. We encourage professional and personal development through a variety of training opportunities and a focus on promoting from within. The Company: Established in 1944, Rio Grande, a Berkshire\-Hathaway manufacturer/distributor, has thousands of valued customers around the world. We are a principle\-based company with a highly evolved team\-based environment. We can show you how a profoundly effective organization lives these values every day. You can find our guiding principles, The 3 R’s, Respect, Responsibility and Results, on our website as well as information about our community support and how we protect the environment. Within our 186,000 sq. ft., solar\-powered facility, with covered parking, Rio Grande has sales, marketing, supply chain, IT and administrative offices, a climate\-controlled distribution center with more than 40,000 items, and a comprehensive, well\-equipped manufacturing operation. Manufactured products include jewelry\-making equipment (from basic tools to highly sophisticated induction casting machines) and jewelry components—both die\-struck and cast. Capabilities include CAD/CAM, casting, stamp and form, metal finishing, CNC machining, manual milling, tool \& die and electronics/mechanical assembly.