The Purchasing Manager at Bud's Goods & Provisions is responsible for sourcing and procuring both cannabis and non-cannabis products to support retail operations, ensuring alignment with budget, demand forecasts, and company strategy. This role involves analyzing sales data to forecast inventory needs, negotiating vendor contracts, managing supplier relationships, and coordinating logistics to ensure timely and compliant product deliveries. The Purchasing Manager also oversees bulk cannabis procurement for in-house brands, maintains accurate pricing and inventory across store systems, and collaborates cross-functionally with retail, marketing, and inventory teams to support product launches, promotions, and business growth initiatives.
This role reports to the COO and is provided a desk at a Bud's Goods location. This role requires traveling up to 20% of the time as needed for vendor relations and competitive pricing. The ideal candidate for this role is a gifted negotiator with the skills to convert our buying power and purchasing strategy into the best possible revenue opportunities for our stores while best serving the demands of our customers.
Job Duties - Procure cannabis and non-cannabis products for both retail and wholesale, adhering to budget and demand forecasts.
- Forecast purchasing needs by using data collection and analysis to predict trends, sell-through rates, and inventory needs across all locations.
- Negotiate deals with both retail and wholesale vendors, securing competitive pricing and favorable payment terms to benefit the company.
- Track deliveries and manage logistics for product receipt, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of products from suppliers to dispensary locations and warehouse.
- Lead vendor communications, ensuring alignment of product orders with invoices and Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
- Oversee the bulk purchasing of cannabis for Bud's brands, ensuring that the supply meets the demand for all retail locations and Bud's product lines.
- Develop processes to improve purchasing efficiency across multiple locations, ensuring consistency in product offerings and pricing strategies.
- Manage the supplier lifecycle, from onboarding to performance evaluations, and maintain relationships with key vendors.
- Assist with vendor returns, working with Inventory Managers to ensure proper product returns and credits are received.
- Ensure pricing accuracy and inventory availability across all store menus, collaborating with the Inventory and Retail teams to implement price adjustments based on sell-through, competition, and expiring products.
- Assist in managing product SKUs in the retail POS system and make necessary updates as new products are added to the store's inventory.
- Collaborate with marketing and product teams to plan and align purchasing with promotional and seasonal product needs.
- Review and update product pricing strategies based on market trends, competitor pricing, and sales performance.
- Serve as main point of contact for dispensary teams to collect product feedback to relay to management and vendors.
- Support in planning and execution of purchasing-related tasks for new product lines, product expansion, and business scaling initiatives.
- Other duties assigned, including but not limited to compliance reporting and assisting with cross-functional initiatives.
Knowledge & Skills - Advanced proficiency in Excel required (Pivot tables, forecasting, demand planning, cost analyses, etc.)
- Proficiency in Dutchie Backoffice, or other similar inventory tracking system
- Strong negotiation skills to secure competitive pricing
- Knowledge of the cannabis industry, product landscape, and regulations, including the wholesale market.
- Exceptional attention to detail, particularly in inventory management and financial oversight.
- Superior interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership, peers, and external contacts.
- Ability to enforce and meet deadlines while adjusting in dynamic environments.
- Strong judgement and decision-making capabilities with the ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts effectively.
Experience and Education - Bachelor's degree with emphasis in business, supply chain, management, or related field
- 2-3 years of experience in procurement/purchasing or similar role
- Cannabis industry experience required
- Proven ability to manage, negotiate, and resolve conflicts
- Proven track record of success and adaptability in high-paced environment
Additional Requirements - Must have a reliable vehicle
- Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
- Must be willing to work extensive and varied hours to accommodate retail schedules, meetings, and product deliveries
- Must possess valid driver's license and travel up to 20% of time