Inventory and Purchasing Manager

Position Summary

The Inventory and Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing the company’s inventory levels, purchasing activities, supplier relationships, and product availability. This position ensures that inventory is accurately maintained, purchases are made in a timely and cost-effective manner, and the company has the necessary materials and products to support daily operations.

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, dependable, and able to effectively manage inventory while maintaining strong relationships with vendors and internal departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage daily inventory levels and ensure adequate stock is available.
• Monitor inventory usage, reorder points, and product demand.
• Prepare and place purchase orders based on inventory needs and company requirements.
• Research products, pricing, availability, and potential suppliers.
• Maintain professional relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and purchasing terms when appropriate.
• Review purchase orders, invoices, packing slips, and receiving documentation for accuracy.
• Track orders from placement through delivery.
• Coordinate with receiving and warehouse personnel to ensure accurate deliveries.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and take corrective action.
• Conduct regular inventory counts and assist with physical inventory audits.
• Maintain accurate inventory records in the company’s inventory or accounting system.
• Identify slow-moving, excess, damaged, or obsolete inventory.
• Monitor inventory costs and identify opportunities to reduce purchasing expenses.
• Ensure products and materials are purchased according to company standards and specifications.
• Communicate with management regarding inventory shortages, purchasing concerns, and vendor issues.
• Maintain organized purchasing and inventory documentation.
• Assist with developing inventory controls and purchasing procedures.
• Ensure purchasing practices comply with company policies and approval requirements.
• Provide reports regarding inventory levels, purchasing activity, costs, and vendor performance.
• Support other operational duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in business, supply chain, purchasing, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience in inventory management, purchasing, warehouse operations, or a related position preferred.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound purchasing decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with inventory management, purchasing, or accounting software preferred.
• Ability to analyze inventory data and purchasing information.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the workplace as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move inventory, boxes, or supplies.
• Ability to perform physical inventory counts when required.
• Ability to work in warehouse, office, or operational areas as necessary.

Performance Expectations

The Inventory and Purchasing Manager is expected to:

• Maintain accurate inventory records.
• Prevent unnecessary inventory shortages and overstocking.
• Control purchasing costs and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain dependable vendor relationships.
• Ensure timely ordering and delivery of products and materials.
• Follow all company purchasing, inventory, safety, and operational policies.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and reliability.

You should be proficient in:

• Vendor & Supplier Management
• ERP & MRP Systems
• Inventory Management & Control
• Sourcing and Procurement Experience
• International Sourcing Experience
• Onshoring Strategy and Process Experience