PURCHASING MANAGER

Purchasing ManagerLocation: Houston, TX Type: Full-Time - OnsiteInventory & Receiving Team Leadership | VAR / MSP EnvironmentPosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead our purchasing, inventory, and receiving team within a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) or Managed Service Provider (MSP) environment. This role is responsible for the day-to-day execution of purchasing activities — from purchase order creation through vendor follow-up, delivery tracking, and receiving coordination. The ideal candidate has a strong background in technology purchasing, understands the fast-paced needs of MSP/VAR operations, and can build a disciplined, accurate, and responsive purchasing function.Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership & OperationsLead, mentor, and develop the purchasing, inventory, and receiving team (buyers, purchasing coordinators, receiving clerks, and inventory specialists).Set performance targets, conduct regular 1:1s, and manage shift scheduling to maintain appropriate business coverage.Foster a culture of accuracy, urgency, accountability, and continuous improvement across purchasing and receiving functions.Purchasing ExecutionOwn the full purchase order lifecycle: requisition review, vendor selection, PO creation, order confirmation, delivery tracking, backorder expediting, and invoice reconciliation.Maintain accurate open-order reports and proactively communicate status, delays, and alternatives to internal stakeholders and client-facing teams.Ensure purchasing decisions align with approved budgets, vendor agreements, and client project timelines.Resolve PO discrepancies, delivery issues, and vendor billing problems in a timely manner.Vendor & Distributor RelationsManage relationships with key technology distributors and vendors (e.g., Ingram Micro, TD Synnex, direct OEMs).Negotiate pricing, lead times, freight terms, and return privileges to support margin and service goals.Evaluate vendor performance on delivery, accuracy, and responsiveness; escalate chronic issues as needed.Inventory & Receiving CoordinationCoordinate with the receiving team to ensure all incoming IT assets are inspected, serialized, and recorded in the ERP/inventory system with 99.5%+ accuracy.Support cycle-count programs, physical inventory audits, and discrepancy-resolution processes.Maintain appropriate stock levels for high-velocity IT components and coordinate with service and project teams to forecast demand.Oversee asset tagging, warranty tracking, and RMA processes for client and internal equipment.Process & ComplianceDevelop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for purchasing, receiving, inspection, storage, and dispatch.Ensure compliance with IT asset management policies, data-security requirements, and relevant industry regulations.Drive adoption of automation and digital tools (ERP purchasing modules, vendor portals, barcode/RFID scanning) to improve efficiency and visibility.Required Qualifications5+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain operations, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.Demonstrated experience in a VAR, MSP, or technology reseller environment — purchasing IT hardware, software licenses, or technology services.Strong understanding of purchase order management, vendor follow-up, backorder expediting, and receiving workflows.Proficiency with ERP purchasing modules and PSA platforms common in MSPs (e.g., ConnectWise, Autotask, ServiceNow, Salesforce).Excellent negotiation, communication, and vendor-management skills.Strong analytical skills; ability to interpret open-order reports, inventory reports, and purchasing metrics.Excellent leadership and cross-functional skills; able to work closely with service delivery, project management, finance, and operations teams.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field; relevant certification (CPSM, CSCP, CPIM) preferred.Experience with IT asset management (ITAM) and ITIL frameworks.Familiarity with SaaS, IaaS, UCaaS, and software-license procurement.Experience implementing barcode/RFID or automated receiving systems.Knowledge of cybersecurity supply-chain practices (e.g., secure sourcing, anti-counterfeiting measures for IT components).What We OfferCompetitive salary and performance-based bonus.Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.Professional development budget and certification support.Opportunity to lead a growing team in a technology-driven VAR/MSP environment.How to ApplyPlease submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your experience leading purchasing and receiving operations in a VAR, MSP, or technology reseller environment, along with any relevant certifications.