Purchasing Specialist

Purchasing SpecialistSUMMARY: 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 DOEThe 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 makingESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.COMMODITY OWNERSHIPSupports management of assigned SKUs, suppliers, and purchasing activity within defined commoditiesBegins developing ownership of outcomes by following through on commitments and resolving issues within scopeMaintains awareness of cost, inventory, service, and supplier performance within assigned commoditiesAssists in evaluating product mix, stocking strategies, and supplier utilizationPERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:Demonstrates early ownership mindset and accountabilityTakes responsibility for assigned work rather than escalating prematurelyBuilds foundational understanding of commodity structure and performance driversSTRATEGIC SOURCING & COST MANAGEMENTSupports sourcing activities and vendor coordination within assigned scopeAssists with pricing, freight, and order-related supplier communicationSupports cost control initiatives and purchasing decisions aligned with company objectivesDevelops understanding of supplier cost drivers and basic market influencesPerformance Expectations:Begins understanding cost drivers (materials, freight, seasonality)Develops awareness of how sourcing decisions impact cost and valueSupports execution of cost-related initiativesINVENTORY & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENTExecutes purchasing and replenishment processes using system-generated data and reportsMonitors inventory levels to support availability, service, and demand requirementsIdentifies and addresses excess, slow-moving, and non-stock inventory itemsSupports stocking strategies aligned with demand and working capital considerationsPartners with internal teams to support product availability and service levelsPerformance Expectations:Executes purchasing and planning activities with precision and consistencyMaintains strong adherence to defined processesDevelops understanding of inventory performance (turns, excess, availability)SUPPLIER PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENTCommunicates with vendor representatives regarding orders, freight, and supply issuesSupports supplier performance through issue resolution and coordinationAssists in monitoring delivery, availability, and responsivenessMaintains professional and effective supplier relationshipsPerformance Expectations:Supports supplier accountability through follow-up and communicationDevelops understanding of supplier performance drivers such as On-Time In-Full (OTIF), lead time, and qualityContributes to consistent and reliable supplier executionMARKET & ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCEDevelops foundational understanding of commodity markets, supplier landscape, and demand driversBuilds awareness of basic market conditions such as pricing trends, availability, and seasonalityBegins to understand external cost drivers, including materials and freightDevelops awareness of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index (PPI) indicators and how external factors influence costPerformance Expectations:Learns how market dynamics impact cost and supplyBegins exposure to BLS/PPI indicators and cost trendsApplies basic market awareness to purchasing decisionsCROSS-FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIPPartners with branches, operations, and internal teams to support inventory and service needsAssists in evaluating new products, vendors, and stocking opportunitiesAligns purchasing activities with customer demand and service expectationsSupports Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) processes through accurate execution and data supportPerformance Expectations:Supports teammates and cross-functional partners with responsiveness and professionalismBuilds understanding of how supply chain decisions impact customer valueContributes to a collaborative team environmentCONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT / FORCE MULTIPLIERExecutes purchasing, planning, and supplier communication processes with consistency and disciplineIdentifies opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance serviceParticipates in process improvement initiatives and adoption of new tools and systemsPerformance Expectations:Actively participates in transformation initiativesDemonstrates openness to change and continuous learningIdentifies small opportunities to improve efficiency, service, and data accuracyContributes to building a high-performance, improvement-focused cultureKEY PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREASPerformance in this role is measured through contribution to the following areas:Cost management and purchasing decisions aligned with company objectivesInventory performance including availability, inventory turns, and reduction of excessSupplier performance including delivery, responsiveness, and issue resolutionService and product availability to support branch and customer needsData and system integrity, including accuracy of item and planning dataProcess execution with consistency, discipline, and adherence to standardsWHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKEReliable, consistent execution of purchasing and inventory processesStrong data accuracy and adherence to system and process standardsDemonstrated growth in capability and ownership mindsetIncreased understanding of commodities, suppliers, and supply chain dynamicsTrusted as a dependable and responsive team memberQUALIFICATIONS: 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 systemStrong communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with branches, vendors, and internal teamsDemonstrated ability to execute tasks with accuracy, consistency, and attention to detailAbility to analyze data and use system reports to support purchasing and inventory decisionsIntermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office with proficiency in Excel (e.g., pivot tables, data analysis)Basic understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) concepts preferredStrong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilitiesProblem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues, gather relevant information, and support resolutionDemonstrated willingness to learn, adapt, and develop knowledge of supply chain processes, systems, and commoditiesAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environmentAbility to pass background check and drug screen