About Waterworks
When you see the world’s most inspiring homes and hotels, you invariably find Waterworks in the mix. For over 40 years, our designs have elevated the bath and kitchen experience, with exquisite fittings, fixtures, hardware and more. We strive to be participants in exceptional design moments not just through our products, but through how our company name shows up in the world at large.
What We Provide
What gives us an edge over our competitors is our people. We work in a highly collaborative, creative environment that values each team member’s contributions to our mission. We empower our associates with extensive training, career growth opportunities, competitive salaries, bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, and 401k retirement savings plan. We offer a generous PTO program (vacation, personal and sick time) with additional perks like some summer half days and a volunteer day. The company observes at least 8 federal holidays throughout the calendar year plus a floating holiday that associates can use at their discretion.
The Role
The Buyer is a key member of the Waterworks Supply Chain and Planning & Procurement team, responsible for supporting effective purchasing, supplier coordination, inventory management, and timely fulfillment of customer orders. The position manages the procurement process from purchase order creation through delivery and invoice resolution, using demand forecasts, MRP information, and supplier commitments to support service levels and appropriate inventory availability.
The role also supports the concierge program across Surfaces, Washstands, Sinks, Tubs, and Cabinetry, coordinating custom and special orders and delivering responsive service to internal teams and clients. Success requires strong analytical and organizational skills, accuracy, sound judgment, and collaboration with suppliers and partners across the business.
This is a hybrid role that requires onsite presence a minimum of 3 days per week. Other days may be required based on business needs.
Responsibilities
Purchasing, Planning & Inventory
- Manage factory and inventory purchase orders from creation through delivery, maintaining accurate pricing, quantities, dates, shipping status, supplier commitments, and supporting documentation.
- Use MRP/ERP reports, demand forecasts, and customer requirements to identify purchasing needs, recommend order quantities and delivery schedules, and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
- Review and adjust open purchase orders as needs change, including expediting, deferring, or canceling orders; proactively follow up on past-due deliveries.
- Take a lead role in inventory coordination for the concierge program, supporting product availability, order visibility, and accurate system records.
- Process purchasing requisitions for non-inventory materials and services and support purchasing requirements for new product development.
Supplier & Order Management
- Act as a key supplier contact, building strong relationships and tracking lead times, production milestones, order accuracy, shipping performance, and on-time delivery.
- Work with suppliers to resolve delays, discrepancies, quality concerns, and return-to-vendor issues; coordinate corrective actions and supplier performance improvements.
- Coordinate with Logistics and Distribution on cost-effective shipping and delivery issues, including international shipping and customs-related requirements as applicable.
- Partner with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice discrepancies and support accurate, timely supplier payment.
- Support sourcing activities and maintain a reliable, quality-focused, cost-effective supplier base while following company purchasing policies and procedures.
Concierge Program & Customer Support
- Respond promptly to custom and special-order inquiries, providing supplier quotes, lead times, availability updates, and order status information.
- Coordinate with Sales, Client Service, Product Management, and Product Development to verify custom-order specifications, item details, and required approvals before placing orders.
- Obtain and coordinate factory images and supporting product information to facilitate client selections and approvals.
- Support the concierge program across Surfaces, Washstands, Sinks, Tubs, and Cabinetry, maintaining a high level of service while managing a high volume of requests and email correspondence.
- Communicate production and delivery milestones clearly to internal stakeholders and help resolve issues that may affect customer commitments.
Systems, Quality & Collaboration
- Maintain complete, accurate, and current purchasing, inventory, and program data in Infor M3, Smartsheet, and related reports and systems.
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Regulatory teams to support applicable Quality System and compliance requirements.
- Partner across Supply Chain, Accounting, Sales, Client Experience, Product Management, and Distribution to address issues and meet shared goals.
- Identify opportunities to improve purchasing workflows, supplier performance, data accuracy, and service; assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.
- 3+ years of experience in purchasing, buying, planning, order management, or supply chain operations; manufacturing experience preferred.
- Experience working with MRP/ERP systems; Infor M3 and Smartsheet experience are advantages.
- Experience working with Surfaces is a plus
- Strong Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly Excel; familiarity with Teams and SharePoint.
- Ability to interpret forecasts and purchasing data, analyze problems, and make sound decisions within established guidelines.
- Excellent accuracy, organization, follow-through, written and verbal communication, and customer-service skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
- Familiarity with international shipping/customs and experience in surface materials are pluses.
- Commitment to Waterworks core values: Customer Focused, Innovative, Action Oriented, Passionate, and Respectful.
- Onsite presence at Waterworks’ Danbury headquarters three days per week. Travel may be required up to 25%
Work Arrangement & Travel
Our Values
Be Authentic: Engage in real conversations. Communicate honestly with respect and professionalism.
Raise The Bar: Share ideas to uphold our standard of excellence. Never settle for less than the best.
Own It: Be responsible for your results. Empower yourself and others to step forward and lead.
Partner For Perfection: Collaborate with peers and teammates to deliver superior service to our clients.
Love What You Do & Do What You Love: Generate excitement and enthusiasm for our brand and company.
Waterworks is committed to promoting pay equity. Rate of pay is determined based on each individual's experience, qualifications, and the geographic location of the role. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate's experience and expertise and may vary from the amounts listed above.
Waterworks is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal or state law or local ordinance.