Purchasing Lead

Chesapeake Plywood is hiring a Purchasing Lead to build our purchasing function.

This is a build role, not a maintenance role. We're not hiring someone to run our current process. We're hiring someone to learn our business, tell us what's broken, and fix it: how we manage cash, how fast our inventory turns, and which items earn their place on the shelf. If you want a defined lane and a list of duties, this isn't the right fit. If you've built purchasing from scrappy beginnings and want to do it again, read on.

Position Overview

Compensation Breakdown:

• Base Salary: $70,000 - $85,000

Schedule:

• Full-Time
• Hybrid: 4 days in our Baltimore office, 1 day remote
• Reports to the Sales Manager
• Start: As soon as possible

What You're Walking Into

Purchasing has sat with our Sales Manager for years, on top of running a sales team. That worked while prices were steady. They aren't anymore. Tariffs and price swings mean we need someone who can read the market, anticipate changes, and line up fallbacks before we need them.

We're also moving from QuickBooks to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. You'll help shape how purchasing works in the new system, instead of inheriting someone else's setup.

Your first 12 weeks are for learning our vendors, items, inventory turns and margins. Then we want you to tell us what's wrong with how we do it, and lead the fix.

Position Responsibilities

• Own the Price Book: keep current costs on every item and set margins by item with the Sales Manager.
• Manage Inventory Levels: set and maintain min/max on every stocked item. Keep cash working, not sitting in slow-moving stock.
• Run Purchase Orders: place and manage all open POs, and own follow-up and shipment tracking.
• Control Freight & LTL: shop every shipment, and own carrier relationships and freight cost.
• Manage Imports: track containers, handle international reporting, and stay ahead of tariff changes.
• Negotiate Rebates & Terms: build vendor rebate programs and payment terms, and track both through to collection.
• Maintain Vendor Records: keep vendor data, terms and contacts accurate.
• Lead Vendor Training: schedule and run quarterly product knowledge sessions for the sales team.
• Support the ERP Transition: be a key voice in our move to a new ERP.

What Success Looks Like

• By week 12: a clear assessment of our purchasing, inventory and vendor base, with a prioritized plan.
• By year one: faster inventory turns, less slow-moving stock, rebates tracked through to collection, and purchasing running in Business Central.

Company Overview

Founded in 2001 with a home equity loan and a vision, Chesapeake Plywood has grown into a leading specialty wood distributor known for precision, reliability, and innovation. From a small construction trailer in South Baltimore to a respected regional supplier, the company has built its reputation on hard work, resilience, and delivering solutions that set the standard.

Rooted in its core values (Results, Ownership, Open-Mindedness, Trust, and Service), Chesapeake Plywood believes in doing the work, protecting the standard, and earning trust through consistent execution. As a financially stable, family-owned business, the company offers long-term opportunity, performance-based growth, and a culture where accountability drives success and effort earns respect.

Culture: Results-driven and disciplined. The team works hard, holds each other accountable, and values execution over excuses.

Focus Service: Chesapeake Plywood distributes specialty wood products to manufacturers who rely on accuracy and consistency. Reliable supply and accurate pricing are central to our reputation.

Learning Opportunities: You'll build a purchasing function from the ground up, shape our move to Business Central, and work directly with leadership on margin, cash and growth.

Standards: Accuracy, accountability and follow-through are non-negotiable. In this role, you'll help write the standards, not just follow them.

Premium Workplace: Competitive pay, industry-leading 401(k) match, and long-term stability in a family-owned business. Hard work is recognized and performance is rewarded.

Requirements

• 5+ years in purchasing or procurement, ideally in wholesale distribution. Building materials experience is a plus, not a must.
• A track record of improving or rebuilding a purchasing function, not just running one.
• Experience buying without perfect systems: you've built min/max levels, reorder points or forecasts when the tools weren't there.
• Hands-on involvement in an ERP implementation. Business Central or Dynamics NAV experience is a big plus.
• Confident negotiating price, terms and rebates with vendors.
• Strong on freight and LTL cost management. Import and container experience is a plus.
• Numbers-driven and precise. The price book has to be right, every time.
• Comfortable challenging how things are done, and backing it up with data.
• Advanced Excel, plus Outlook, Teams and Word.

Benefits

• 401(k) with Company Match: because we're in this for the long haul.
• Paid Time Off & Holidays: because you work hard and deserve to recharge.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: because you deserve to always feel your best.
• Performance Bonus: up to 10% of base.
• Hybrid Schedule: 4 days in office, 1 day remote.
• Growth Opportunities
• Supportive Team Environment
• Meaningful Work