Purchasing Specialist

Location: Houston, TX (Hybrid) Department: Operations Employment Type: Full-Time Job Summary Swagelok Southeast Texas is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Purchasing Specialist to support our supply chain operations. This role is responsible for sourcing products and services, managing supplier relationships, maintaining inventory strategies, and ensuring timely procurement to support customer demand. The Purchasing Specialist works closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure supply chain continuity while delivering a high level of Customer Confidence through accurate purchasing, proactive communication, and strong execution. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Manage supplier relationships to support inventory availability, service objectives, and customer confidence Procure inventory, non-stock items, and services in support of business operations and customer requirements Create, maintain, and expedite purchase orders to ensure timely delivery and continuity of supply Monitor inventory levels and purchasing requirements to maintain appropriate stock levels while supporting inventory management objectives Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, order status, and delivery commitments Utilize SAP, Zendesk, and other business systems to manage purchasing activities, supplier communications, and order tracking Resolve supplier, product, and order-related issues through effective troubleshooting and cross-functional collaboration Partner with Sales, Customer Service, Warehouse, and Operations teams to support customer requirements and business priorities Analyze purchasing, inventory, and supplier performance data to identify trends and support decision-making Support sourcing activities, including supplier selection, quote requests, cost analysis, and supplier evaluations Monitor open purchase orders and proactively communicate potential delays, shortages, or risks to internal stakeholders Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, and system data integrity Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying process gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities to improve service, quality, and cost performance Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and quality system requirements Support departmental goals related to service, inventory management, supplier performance, and operational excellence Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred, or equivalent experience Minimum 3 years of purchasing, buying, or procurement experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment Experience with ERP systems required (SAP preferred) Zendesk or similar ticketing system experience is a plus Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel Required Skills and Competencies Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills Excellent organization and attention to detail Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment Strong written and verbal communication skills Customer-focused mindset Ability to work independently and make sound decisions Proven ability to build and maintain supplier relationships Why Join Swagelok Southeast Texas? Swagelok Southeast Texas is a Certified Great Place to Work® and an industry leader in fluid system solutions. We offer a collaborative culture, competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a hybrid work environment. At Swagelok Southeast Texas, we invest in our employees' future by providing training, development, and career growth opportunities that help our team members succeed both personally and professionally. #J-18808-Ljbffr