Purchasing Agent (0626)

Working at Trail Appliances means joining an entrepreneurial-minded, driven team dedicated to delivering an exceptional customer experience. Trail Appliances is the leading independent appliance retailer in Western Canada. We’re a fast-growing company with over 500 employees in British Columbia, spread out over 10 showrooms, 3 Outlet Centres, 3 distribution centres, and 4 offices in BC's major markets. Join our team of trailblazers!

Our core values

Integrity – We do what’s right, even when no one is looking.

Improvement – We do it well. Then we do it better.

Caring – We put ourselves in others’ shoes.

Authenticity – We like people, not pretense.

Determination – We kick down walls.

We have everything we need to inspire our customers. Except you.

The Purchasing Agent proactively manages the retail and single-family inventory requirements. Manages product transitions and communicates effectively with the retail and single-family team. Engages the retail and single-family team on a regular basis with a focus on providing the best customer service possible. Takes full ownership over Retail Warehouses with a focus on just-in-time inventory to increase turns and reduce inventory levels. Works directly with suppliers to navigate through inventory challenges to ensure the product arrives as requested. Use best procurement practices to order product at the lowest cost possible.

As a Purchasing Agent you will

• Analyzes the inventory requirement forecasts sent in by retail and single family and places purchase orders as required
• Manages purchase orders from the time it is entered to the time the product is received completely
• Communicates any inventory challenges to both the retail and single-family team as well as the Purchasing Managers
• Manages product transitions with a focus on fulfilling projects as requested. Alternatively, works closely with the single-family team to transition projects as required
• Manages Retail Warehouse inventory levels with a focus on driving turns
• Communicates regularly with Warehouse Management to ensure inventory levels are manageable and advise of any large incoming shipments
• Coordinates supplier meetings which occur every week to every quarter (depending on supplier)
• Reconciles Supplier receiving and invoice variances in a timely fashion

The Experience We Like To See

• Working Experience with Microsoft Programs (specifically Excel, Outlook)
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong oral and written communication
• Ability to analyze and interpret high volumes of data
• Takes initiative to make improvements and communicate change
• Works well with others and can drive towards individual and shared team goals
• Assertive and direct when necessary

Desired Skills

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and correct errors in own work as well as others
• Experience with an ERP system
• Experience forecasting inventory with an understanding of manufacturing lead times
• Experience building successful relationships

Interacts With

• Purchasing Department
• Ecommerce & Merchandising Team
• Marketing Department
• Finance Department
• Sales Department
• Customer Support Team
• Suppliers

Why join Trail

• Extended Health Benefits
• Merit Performance
• Generous employee discounts
• Gym membership discount
• Professional Development Programs
• Employee Recognition Program
• Company events

Work Environment

• Team oriented
• Open working environment
• Hybrid (partial)

We inspire possibilities, make shopping ridiculously easy, and help create special moments at home. Are you ready to meet your team?

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.