Purchasing Specialist

Company Operational Summary: Collision Auto Parts, comprised of three entities operating distribution facilities throughout California and New Mexico, is a leading value-added distributor of certified and non-certified aftermarket collision repair parts. Product categories include bumper covers, grilles, fender liners, hoods, tail lamps, head lamps, and related products. The Company utilizes a fleet of delivery vehicles to provide timely service to commercial customers and is committed to safety, quality, and exceptional customer service.

Title : Purchasing Specialist
Reports To : VP of Purchasing
Schedule : Monday–Friday (hours and schedule may vary based on business needs, typically 8:30a-5:00p)
Location : Onsite Daily (Role may sit out of Hayward, CA or San Diego, CA)
Travel : Occasional travel between company locations may be required.
Compensation : Hourly, depending on qualifications and experience. Anticipated hiring range: $28.00–$35.00 per hour. Compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and geographic location.

Job Summary
The Purchasing Specialist performs advanced purchasing and inventory functions to support the timely procurement of aftermarket collision parts and related materials. This role manages assigned vendors, analyzes purchasing and inventory data, monitors supplier performance, and recommends inventory replenishment strategies. The Purchasing Specialist partners with Operations, Sales, Warehouse, and Finance to optimize inventory levels, improve vendor performance, and support cost-effective purchasing decisions.

Duties, Responsibilities & Essential Functions
Manage assigned vendors and purchase orders from placement through receipt.
Analyze inventory levels, purchasing trends, and historical demand to support replenishment decisions.
Review inventory reports to identify slow-moving, excess, and obsolete inventory and recommend corrective actions.
Create quote and place order weekly with domestic suppliers based on lost sales for out of stock items.
Monitor inbound container shipment status and communicate/coordinate delivery to warehouse team
Monitor stock availability to minimize stockouts while maintaining optimal inventory levels.
Analyze purchasing patterns and recommend opportunities to reduce costs and improve inventory turns.
Evaluate sales trends and seasonality to assist with purchasing forecasts.
Communicate with vendors regarding pricing, availability, lead times, shipping schedules, and delivery updates.
Monitor vendor performance including on-time delivery, fill rates, pricing, quality, and lead times.
Prepare vendor scorecards and recommend supplier performance improvements.
Compare supplier quotes and evaluate vendors based on pricing, quality, service, and delivery performance.
Analyze purchase price variances and identify cost trends.
Prepare purchasing reports, dashboards, KPIs, and inventory metrics for leadership.
Maintain accurate purchasing, vendor, pricing, and item master data within company systems.
Investigate purchasing discrepancies and coordinate resolution with vendors and internal departments.
Coordinate with Warehouse, Inventory Control, Sales, and Finance to resolve inventory and purchasing issues.
Evaluate purchasing workflows and recommend process improvements and efficiencies.
Assist with budgeting, purchasing forecasts, and special projects.
Maintain confidentiality of pricing and vendor agreements.
Comply with company purchasing procedures and internal controls.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, formulas, and data analysis.
Ability to interpret purchasing, inventory, and vendor performance data.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with ERP, purchasing, or inventory management systems.
Ability to make data-driven recommendations and work collaboratively across departments.

Education & Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
Three (3) or more years of purchasing, procurement, inventory, or supply chain experience preferred.
Experience in wholesale distribution or the automotive aftermarket preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Mandarin is a plus but not required.

Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Frequently use hands and fingers for keyboarding, handling documents, and operating standard office equipment.
Frequently walk throughout office and warehouse areas to inspect inventory, verify products, and collaborate with operational teams.
Occasionally bend, reach, kneel, squat, and climb stairs while accessing inventory or storage areas.
Occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work in both office and warehouse environments with varying temperatures, dust, and noise levels.
Ability to visually inspect products, labels, and documentation and distinguish details required for purchasing and inventory accuracy.
Ability to communicate effectively with vendors, warehouse personnel, and other departments in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication.
May occasionally operate material handling equipment after receiving appropriate training, certification, and authorization, if required by business needs.

Additional Information
This Job Description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The Company reserves the right to modify job duties, reporting relationships, schedules, work locations, and responsibilities at any time based on business needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Collision Auto Parts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), creed, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, reproductive health decision-making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.