Job Description

PURCHASING SPECIALIST

Provide support to US DC’s, Canada and Nodes in the form of purchasing, sourcing and projects. Follow purchasing and receive procedures to ensure supplies are ordered and delivered in a timely manner. Maintain best practices to ensure full compliance of AE financial policies and procedures and integrity of reported data.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop supply expense analysis and report results to Management.
• Ensure customer service and demonstrate AE core values in all internal and external interactions – Passion, Innovation, Teamwork, People, and Integrity.
• Prepare requisitions and purchase orders by verifying item specifications and vendor pricing while managing and maintaining production, maintenance, office and janitorial supplies.
• Help develop DC purchasing forecast and plan procurement to meet forecast budget and update strategy as needed to ensure inventory levels meet production and maintenance needs.
• Participate in Ariba procurement software as well as MVP inventory software to order and receive goods. Troubleshoot issues with software and follow through to ensure timely payment to vendors.
• Negotiate with vendors to satisfy Ottawa Campus’ best interest and partner with peers in NMP and other DC purchasing teams to maximize efficiencies and streamline processes.
• Understand and allocate charges in accordance to AEO’s financial reporting requirements
• Research and identify areas of improvement within DC processing. Work with supervisor to document and recommend corrective actions to be taken to address those shortcomings.
• Create work queries to provide Operations with system data as needed.
• Solve intermittent issues between vendors i.e. lost shipments, wrong parts and unpaid invoices.
• Responsible for purchasing spends monthly- including reconciling receipts and expenses according to AEO policies
• Maintain excellent, positive relationships with our Business Partners, Vendors and within IT. Business partners include but not limited to the following: DC associates, DC Management, Transportation Department and Supply Chain.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• College degree preferred
• High degree of proficiency Google Suite & Internet applications required
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, & planning skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team
• Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting
• Positive and forward thinking attitude
• 3+ years of operational experience in a warehousing or retail industry setting preferred
• Working knowledge of PC-based applications, host applications and database management preferred (PKMS, A/S400), is preferred.

Get to Know AEO
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.
Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products that are made to last. In addition to a robust e-commerce business, we operate stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners.
At AEO, we believe in the power of our people and our brands. Our Better Together culture creates a mutual desire to succeed–inspiring our community to excel, while driving future growth for the business and associates. Through experience, exposure and education we empower associates to build their unique career journey.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access at AEO
We remain committed to building an inclusive culture that is welcoming and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. Please see more about our initiatives here
AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.