Buyer; Ag Focus

Description

The Buyer is a strong individual contributor who is proactive and relationship-driven, with full ownership of an assigned category for a multi-branch rental business supporting both storefronts and field/job site operations. This role is responsible for end‑to‑end sourcing of parts, consumables, and related materials used for retail counter sales, rental fleet maintenance, and on-site service work. Success in this position is defined by ensuring product availability at the shelf and in the field, optimizing total cost of ownership, and building strong partnerships with local suppliers and branch teams across California and other regions.

This role will have an Ag focus.

At Rain for Rent, we move water—every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling solutions, we’re recognized for our systems engineering expertise, cost‑effective problem solving, and the high value we deliver to organizations facing critical liquid management challenges. Our experienced teams, supported by skilled engineers, are continually redefining what customers expect from a liquid handling provider. We design innovative equipment and harness cutting‑edge technology to meet the demands of the toughest environments.

From water handling and irrigation to temporary liquid storage, our solutions consistently exceed customer expectations for quality and service. We are committed to completing every project safely, efficiently, on time—and done right the first time.

To learn more about Rain for Rent please check out this short 2 minute You Tube video here. ()

Rain for Rent employees take great pride in being part of a family‑owned company with a rich and enduring legacy. For over 91 years, we’ve delivered consistent, high‑quality products and services to our customers. With more than 70 locations across the U.S., Canada, and the UK, Rain for Rent remains committed to excellence. Honesty and integrity are at the core of everything we do.

Our dedicated team strives to exceed expectations through exceptional service and unwavering quality.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Oversee sourcing for parts, components, consumables, and service suppliers to support storefront, shop, and job site requirements. Collaborate with Strategic Sourcing Leads to execute sourcing strategies aligned business priorities.
• Conduct market analysis, competitive benchmarking, and supplier due diligence across assigned markets. (e.g., California’s & Idaho Markets, Central Valley, Salinas/Monterey, Imperial Valley, Central Coast).
• Manage direct costs associated with competitive bids i.e. issue (RFQ/RFP).
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and rebates; manage contracts, SLAs, and compliance.
• Implement VMI/consignment, e Catalogs, and preferred supplier programs to streamline availability and reduce working capital.
• Partner with OEMs, distributors, and regional independents to secure critical and seasonal parts with resilient lead times.

• Act as the main procurement point of contact for branch, counter, service, and field teams within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Conduct regular branch visits to review stock levels, demand patterns, and service priorities; drive root cause actions on backorders and stockouts.
• Coordinate with Service Managers, Counter Managers, Territory Sales, and Fleet to align buys with seasonal peaks and project demands.
• Support new branch openings and product transitions.
• Track and reduce slow moving and excess stock; implement returns and credits where feasible.

• Own supplier performance (OTIF, quality, responsiveness, warranty/returns); drive QBRs and continuous improvement.
• Consolidate tail spend where practical while maintaining local agility for urgent needs and service continuity.
• Enforce ethical sourcing and company purchasing policies.

• Work with local teams to create congruent product offering / store specific…