Stocking Specialist/Buyer

Job Summary

The Stocking Specialist / Buyer supports nursery operations by monitoring stock levels, sourcing plant material, and ordering replenishments for assigned departments. This role works closely with vendors, receiving staff, and internal teams to ensure plant material and related inventory are available to meet operational and sales needs while avoiding shortages, overstocks, or inactive inventory.

The Stocking Specialist / Buyer manages purchase orders, coordinates deliveries, resolves vendor issues, and maintains accurate vendor and inventory records. This role balances daily operational needs with efficient purchasing practices to support consistent product availability across the nursery.

Essential Functions

• Research and source plant material for special orders requested by the Sales Team.
• Maintain positive and effective relationships with plant vendors and suppliers.
• Maintain and update vendor information in company systems.
• Create and process purchase orders for plant material and related items.
• Verify receipt of purchased materials and work with vendors to resolve shipment discrepancies, shortages, or damages.
• Negotiate with vendors to obtain competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards.
• Ensure purchase documentation and approvals are completed so vendor payments can be processed in a timely manner.
• Serve as a liaison between internal departments and vendors to coordinate purchasing and delivery needs.
• Work with vendors to schedule or expedite deliveries and resolve delivery issues such as shortages, late deliveries, or missed shipments.
• Coordinate logistics to ensure plant material arrives at the appropriate nursery location in a timely manner.
• Monitor changes in plant availability, vendor pricing, and purchasing terms.
• Participate in pricing updates, inventory projects, and other operational initiatives as needed.
• Support administrative tasks related to purchasing, inventory, and vendor coordination.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with inventory-related projects and operational initiatives as needed.
• Support cross-departmental coordination related to purchasing and stocking activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience & Other Requirements

Required

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a nursery, horticulture, or related industry.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to coordinate multiple purchasing and inventory activities simultaneously.

Preferred

• Associate degree (AA) or higher.
• Experience creating purchase orders within inventory or ERP systems.
• Familiarity with plant sourcing and vendor coordination within nursery operations.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This is an in-office position located at the nursery site. Remote work is not available except for short-term situations approved in advance by upper management.

The role requires regular movement between office and nursery yard environments.

Physical requirements include:

• Remaining in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods.
• Frequent typing and use of computer systems including data entry and 10-key functions.
• Use of hands and fingers for typing, filing, and operating office equipment.
• Gross grasping and manual handling of documents or office materials.
• Occasional walking through outdoor nursery areas which may involve uneven ground surfaces and exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Lifting up to 20 lbs. approximately 20% of the time.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

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