Supply Chain Manager

The Opportunity ProActivate is partnering with an established and growing industrial and construction supply distributor along the Gulf Coast to identify an experienced Supply Chain Manager. This is an opportunity for a hands-on purchasing and inventory professional to take ownership of supply chain operations across multiple branch locations, strengthen supplier relationships, improve inventory performance, and contribute directly to the company's continued growth. Unlike traditional corporate supply chain positions, this role offers significant autonomy, direct access to executive leadership, and the opportunity to build and improve processes rather than simply maintain existing ones. The ideal candidate understands the challenges of managing thousands of SKUs, balancing product availability with inventory investment, and supporting sales teams in a fast-paced distribution environment. What You'll Be Responsible For: Purchasing & Vendor Management Lead company-wide purchasing, sourcing, vendor negotiations, and supplier relationship management. Negotiate competitive pricing, purchasing terms, vendor rebates, and incentive programs. Develop purchasing strategies that improve margins while maintaining product availability. Partner with branch managers and sales teams to anticipate demand and support customer needs. Inventory Management & Optimization Oversee inventory performance across multiple branch locations, including replenishment, transfers, and inventory control. Manage inventory investment while improving turnover, reducing excess and obsolete stock, and maintaining strong fill rates. Monitor key performance indicators, including inventory turns, lead times, service levels, and dead stock. Leverage ERP and inventory management systems to improve purchasing decisions, forecasting, and operational efficiency. Operational Improvement & Leadership Identify opportunities to streamline purchasing processes, improve inventory accuracy, and reduce costs. Collaborate with sales, operations, and branch leadership to align inventory strategies with business objectives. Participate in company leadership discussions and contribute to long-term growth initiatives. Initially operate as a hands-on individual contributor, with the opportunity to develop and lead a purchasing team as the company expands. What We're Looking For: 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory management, or supply chain management. Experience in industrial distribution, construction supplies, electrical supplies, HVAC distribution, fasteners, safety products, MRO, or another SKU-intensive distribution environment strongly preferred. Experience managing significant inventory investments, ideally $3M or more, across multiple locations. Proven success negotiating with suppliers, reducing purchasing costs, and improving inventory performance. Strong understanding of inventory turns, fill rates, lead times, reorder points, excess inventory, and vendor returns. Experience using ERP or inventory management systems. Epicor Prophet 21 or comparable ERP experience is a plus. Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or equivalent relevant industry experience. Ability to work on-site and travel occasionally between branch locations. Why Consider This Opportunity? Growth & Impact: Join an expanding organization where your decisions directly influence profitability, customer service, and operational performance. Autonomy: Take ownership of purchasing and inventory strategies without excessive layers of corporate management. Executive Visibility: Work directly with the company president and participate in broader business decisions. Career Development: Help build the purchasing function with potential opportunities to develop and lead a team as the organization grows. Collaborative Culture: Join a family-oriented, entrepreneurial organization that values accountability, flexibility, and customer relationships. Compensation & Benefits: $90,000 annual base salary Biannual performance bonus Projected first-year earnings of $105,000–$110,000 Medical, dental, and vision insurance Company-paid dental and vision coverage 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 4% Paid vacation Ready to Make an Impact? If you have a strong background in purchasing, vendor management, and inventory optimization within industrial or construction supply distribution, we'd welcome the opportunity to connect. Apply today to learn more about this opportunity and how your experience could contribute to a growing Gulf Coast organization.