Our client, a well-established and growing distribution organization, is seeking an experienced Purchasing Specialist to join their team. This role is responsible for managing procurement activities, supplier relationships, inventory planning, and pricing analysis to support company growth and operational excellence.
The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, experience working within ERP systems, and a proven ability to manage purchasing activities in a fast-paced environment. This position works closely with Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and Finance to ensure product availability, cost optimization, and exceptional service levels.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage purchasing activities to support customer demand, inventory requirements, and operational objectives.
- Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery, competitive pricing, and service excellence.
- Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment strategies to maintain optimal stock positions.
- Analyze supplier pricing, lead times, order requirements, and market trends to support purchasing decisions.
- Create and maintain cost analyses, pricing tools, and purchasing reports to support profitability goals.
- Collaborate with internal departments to ensure seamless order fulfillment and inventory availability.
- Support sourcing initiatives, vendor onboarding, and new product introductions.
- Maintain accurate item, supplier, pricing, and purchasing data within company systems.
- Investigate inventory variances, supply disruptions, and margin discrepancies and recommend solutions.
- Monitor slow-moving inventory and identify opportunities to improve inventory performance.
- Coordinate special projects related to procurement, inventory management, and operational improvement.
- Generate reports and provide insights to support business planning and decision-making.
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Operations, or a related field preferred.
- 3+ years of purchasing, procurement, inventory management, supply chain, or related experience.
- Experience working with ERP systems and inventory management software.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Proven experience managing supplier relationships and coordinating purchasing activities.
- Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize competing deadlines and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
- Experience within distribution, manufacturing, logistics, or related industries is highly preferred.
Why Join?
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing organization.
- Collaborative and team-oriented work environment.
- High-visibility role with cross-functional exposure.
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.