Purchasing Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY: The Purchasing Specialist  is a foundational supply chain role responsible for executing purchasing and inventory processes to support product availability, service performance, and operational stability. This position focuses on building strong execution discipline, data accuracy, and process consistency while developing a working understanding of assigned commodities, suppliers, and internal customer needs. $66,400 - $86,100 Annually DOE

The Purchasing Specialist contributes to commodity performance across cost, inventory, supplier performance, and service by supporting sourcing, planning, and supplier activities in alignment with company objectives.

PURPOSE: Support end-to-end performance of assigned commodities by executing purchasing, inventory, and supplier coordination activities that contribute to cost control, inventory optimization, supplier performance, and service execution.

This role contributes to outcomes from source → pay → performance while developing an ownership mindset, foundational supply chain knowledge, and the ability to support data-driven decision making

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

COMMODITY OWNERSHIP

• Supports management of assigned SKUs, suppliers, and purchasing activity within defined commodities
• Begins developing ownership of outcomes by following through on commitments and resolving issues within scope
• Maintains awareness of cost, inventory, service, and supplier performance within assigned commodities
• Assists in evaluating product mix, stocking strategies, and supplier utilization

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Demonstrates early ownership mindset and accountability
• Takes responsibility for assigned work rather than escalating prematurely
• Builds foundational understanding of commodity structure and performance drivers

STRATEGIC SOURCING & COST MANAGEMENT

• Supports sourcing activities and vendor coordination within assigned scope
• Assists with pricing, freight, and order-related supplier communication
• Supports cost control initiatives and purchasing decisions aligned with company objectives
• Develops understanding of supplier cost drivers and basic market influences

Performance Expectations:

• Begins understanding cost drivers (materials, freight, seasonality)
• Develops awareness of how sourcing decisions impact cost and value
• Supports execution of cost-related initiatives

INVENTORY & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

• Executes purchasing and replenishment processes using system-generated data and reports
• Monitors inventory levels to support availability, service, and demand requirements
• Identifies and addresses excess, slow-moving, and non-stock inventory items
• Supports stocking strategies aligned with demand and working capital considerations
• Partners with internal teams to support product availability and service levels

Performance Expectations:

• Executes purchasing and planning activities with precision and consistency
• Maintains strong adherence to defined processes
• Develops understanding of inventory performance (turns, excess, availability)  

SUPPLIER PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

• Communicates with vendor representatives regarding orders, freight, and supply issues
• Supports supplier performance through issue resolution and coordination
• Assists in monitoring delivery, availability, and responsiveness
• Maintains professional and effective supplier relationships

Performance Expectations:

• Supports supplier accountability through follow-up and communication
• Develops understanding of supplier performance drivers such as On-Time In-Full (OTIF), lead time, and quality
• Contributes to consistent and reliable supplier execution

MARKET & ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCE

• Develops foundational understanding of commodity markets, supplier landscape, and demand drivers
• Builds awareness of basic market conditions such as pricing trends, availability, and seasonality
• Begins to understand external cost drivers, including materials and freight
• Develops awareness of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index (PPI) indicators and how external factors influence cost

Performance Expectations:

• Learns how market dynamics impact cost and supply
• Begins exposure to BLS/PPI indicators and cost trends
• Applies basic market awareness to purchasing decisions

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

• Partners with branches, operations, and internal teams to support inventory and service needs
• Assists in evaluating new products, vendors, and stocking opportunities
• Aligns purchasing activities with customer demand and service expectations
• Supports Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) processes through accurate execution and data support

Performance Expectations:

• Supports teammates and cross-functional partners with responsiveness and professionalism
• Builds understanding of how supply chain decisions impact customer value
• Contributes to a collaborative team environment

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT / FORCE MULTIPLIER

• Executes purchasing, planning, and supplier communication processes with consistency and discipline
• Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance service
• Participates in process improvement initiatives and adoption of new tools and systems

Performance Expectations:

• Actively participates in transformation initiatives
• Demonstrates openness to change and continuous learning
• Identifies small opportunities to improve efficiency, service, and data accuracy
• Contributes to building a high-performance, improvement-focused culture

KEY PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS

Performance in this role is measured through contribution to the following areas:

• Cost management and purchasing decisions aligned with company objectives
• Inventory performance including availability, inventory turns, and reduction of excess
• Supplier performance including delivery, responsiveness, and issue resolution
• Service and product availability to support branch and customer needs
• Data and system integrity, including accuracy of item and planning data
• Process execution with consistency, discipline, and adherence to standards

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Reliable, consistent execution of purchasing and inventory processes
• Strong data accuracy and adherence to system and process standards
• Demonstrated growth in capability and ownership mindset
• Increased understanding of commodities, suppliers, and supply chain dynamics
• Trusted as a dependable and responsive team member

QUALIFICATIONS: 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. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school required. Associate’s or Bachelor’s preferred (Business, Supply Chain, Finance or related field. Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in purchasing inventory management, operations, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Experience using an automated purchasing or inventory management system
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with branches, vendors, and internal teams
• Demonstrated ability to execute tasks with accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail
• Ability to analyze data and use system reports to support purchasing and inventory decisions
• Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office with proficiency in Excel (e.g., pivot tables, data analysis)
• Basic understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) concepts preferred
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues, gather relevant information, and support resolution
• Demonstrated willingness to learn, adapt, and develop knowledge of supply chain processes, systems, and commodities
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Ability to pass background check and drug screen

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and vendors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form.

COMPUTER SKILLS: Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and business operating software purchasing systems.

ATTENDANCE DEMANDS: The attendance demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Attendance is required Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. or within normal business hours as established by the supervisor. Employee may be required to work overtime, and occasional weekends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands, handle, or feel; and required to speak, read and hear English. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and may be occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Located mostly in an office environment with some exposure to a warehouse environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• This is a high stress and fast paced environment.

DISCLAIMER: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Hercules Industries is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or other legally protected status.