Purchasing/Procurement Manager

Job Title:Purchasing/Procurement ManagerReports To:PresidentLocation:Golden Ring- Home OfficePay Range:$90,000-$110,000 Base + Performance BonusSummaryThe Purchasing / Procurement Manager is responsible for the day-to-day execution of all purchasing activities across the company's 38 branch locations and central distribution center. This role manages vendor relationships and lead time performance, purchase order flow, inventory replenishment, cost management, and rebate programs to ensure product availability, competitive cost of goods, and efficient inventory levels. The Purchasing Manager works closely with the sales & operations leadership, and branch managers to align procurement activities with business objectives. This position is primarily office-based at the company's Baltimore home office with periodic travel to branch locations and the distribution center. Standard business hours apply; occasional flexibility may be required during peak purchasing cycles or supplier events.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPurchasing & Order ManagementIssue and manage purchase orders across all product categories in alignment with inventory targets and sales demandMonitor open orders, expedite critical items (un-allocatable items / stockouts of A & B Items), and resolve supplier delivery issues proactivelyMaintain accurate item costs, lead times, and minimum order quantities in the ERP systemCoordinate with the distribution center to ensure inbound shipments are received, reconciled, and processed accuratelyWorks with Accounts Payable and Controller to ensure purchase order accuracy.Vendor & Supplier ManagementServe as the primary day-to-day contact for key suppliers and manufacturers in the plumbing, PVF, and waterworks categoriesNegotiate pricing, payment terms, and program participation (rebates, co-op, stocking programs) with supplier representativesEvaluate supplier performance on fill rates, on-time delivery, and quality; escalate issues as neededIdentify and onboard new suppliers to support product line expansion or supply chain redundancyInventory ManagementManage replenishment parameters (forecasting demand, safety stock and reorder points) to maintain optimal inventory levels across locationsAnalyze slow-moving and excess inventory; develop and execute return, transfer, or liquidation strategiesPartner with branch managers and sales to forecast seasonal demand and support special order managementConduct regular inventory accuracy reviews and support cycle count programsList Price and Cost ManagementMaintain cost accuracy in pricing systems and ensure cost changes are communicated to sales and pricing teams promptlySupport gross margin analysis by tracking landed cost, freight, and rebate impact on product profitabilityCoordinate annual cost updates and price sheet negotiations with supplier repsReporting & Process ImprovementProduce regular purchasing and inventory KPI reports: fill rates, turns, GMROI, purchase variance, and supplier scorecard metricsIdentify process inefficiencies in the procurement cycle and recommend improvementsSupport implementation of purchasing policies, approval workflows, and compliance standardsAssist in ERP system improvements, data integrity projects, and technology initiatives related to procurementKey CompetenciesSupplier Relationship Management- Builds productive, long-term relationships with vendors while maintaining appropriate commercial leverage.Analytical Thinking- Uses data to drive purchasing decisions, identify trends, and measure procurement performance.Attention to Detail- Maintains high accuracy in PO management, cost data, and inventory parameters.Collaboration- Works effectively across branches, operations, sales, and finance to align purchasing with business needs.Accountability- Takes ownership of outcomes, follows through on commitments, and proactively addresses problems.Required5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in wholesale distribution, industrial distribution, or a related fieldDemonstrated experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating supplier contracts or pricing programsProficiency with distribution ERP systemsStrong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis)Solid understanding of inventory management principles: reorder points, safety stock, lead time, and turnoverExcellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentStrong written and verbal communication skillsPreferredExperience in the plumbing, HVAC, PVF, or building materials wholesale distribution industryFamiliarity with plumbing product lines and manufacturer programs (e.g., Watts, Viega, Mueller, A.O. Smith, Nibco, or similar)Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related fieldCPSM, CPP, or equivalent procurement certificationExperience supporting multi-location or multi-branch distribution operationsAvailable BenefitsYou will be eligible to participate in the Company’s benefits program on first of the month after 45 days of employment. This includes medical, dental, vision, short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and 401(k) Plan. The medical, dental, and vision plans are offered for employees and their families. #J-18808-Ljbffr