Materials Planning and Vendor Relations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Lead the Flow of Materials from Plan to Receipt

Own materials availability, purchasing execution, and supplier partnerships. Drive accuracy, speed, and cost efficiency across the inventory lifecycle while ensuring impeccable documentation and policy compliance.

Core Responsibilities Inventory Planning & Control

• Manage daily inventory levels to maintain adequate stock across SKUs.
• Monitor usage rates, reorder points, and product demand to anticipate needs.
• Perform regular cycle counts and support physical inventory audits.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies with corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records within inventory/accounting systems.
• Identify slow-moving, excess, damaged, or obsolete items and propose disposition.

Procurement & Sourcing

• Prepare and issue purchase orders in alignment with company requirements.
• Research products, pricing, availability, and evaluate potential suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and commercial terms.
• Ensure all purchases meet company standards and specifications.
• Track orders end-to-end from placement through delivery.
• Continuously monitor costs and identify purchasing expense reduction opportunities.
• Maintain organized purchasing and inventory documentation.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, approval workflows, and purchasing controls.

Supplier & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Develop and sustain professional relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Coordinate with receiving and warehouse teams to verify accurate deliveries.
• Communicate inventory shortages, purchasing concerns, and vendor issues to management.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Provide reports on inventory levels, purchasing activity, cost trends, and vendor performance.
• Assist in developing and enhancing inventory controls and purchasing procedures.
• Support other operational duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in business, supply chain, purchasing, or related field preferred.
• Prior experience in inventory management, purchasing, warehouse operations, or related areas preferred.
• Strong organization and time management abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Clear communication and effective negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and make sound purchasing decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with inventory, purchasing, or accounting software preferred.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret inventory and purchasing data.
• Comfortable prioritizing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands

• Sitting, standing, walking, bending, and movement throughout the workplace as needed.
• Occasional lifting or moving of boxes, supplies, and inventory.
• Ability to conduct physical inventory counts when required.
• Work across warehouse, office, and operational areas as necessary.

Performance Outcomes

• Accurate inventory records and data integrity.
• Prevention of stockouts and avoidance of excess inventory.
• Reduced purchasing costs and identified cost-saving opportunities.
• Strong, reliable vendor relationships.
• Timely ordering and dependable delivery of materials and products.
• Adherence to purchasing, inventory, safety, and operational policies.
• Consistent professionalism, accountability, and reliability.

Tools & Expertise

• Vendor & Supplier Management
• ERP & MRP Systems
• Inventory Management & Control
• Sourcing and Procurement Experience
• International Sourcing Experience
• Onshoring Strategy and Process Experience