Purpose:

· To ensure all distribution products needed to complete essential business functions are secured most efficiently and effectively. The role of the Purchasing Supervisor is to design and enact purchasing strategies that ensure the appropriate availability of inventory while developing and cultivating working relationships with current and prospective vendors and supplies.

Responsibilities:

· Work with management and the ERP Administrator to analyze the existing supply chain strategy and make recommendations to improve methods, processes, and procedures

· Manage all procurement, purchasing, and product distribution processes across all branches and departments by validating order recommendations, processing vendor purchase orders, maintaining acknowledged dates from vendors, and expediting orders

· Maintain inventory levels at each branch, including consignment locations, by collaborating with Branch Managers and making adjustments to stock to ensure the appropriate products and quantities are available to support our customer base

· Handle contract and rebate negotiations with vendors and suppliers, including capitalizing on cost-saving opportunities pertaining to quantity and price breaks

· Maintain close communication with the Pricing Supervisor, Branch Managers, and Division Sales Managers regarding vendor price increases, discount structure, lead times, and customer and vendor upset conditions that require additional attention and action

· Identify ideal tier-two and tier-three suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability

· Work closely with the VP, Digital Sales to appropriately stock products specific to our e-commerce efforts

· Effectively communicate with vendors and internally with Accounts Payable and Branch Managers regarding shipping, receiving, product, and pricing errors

· Evaluate stock items that are not moving appropriately and coordinate vendor stock returns to mitigate slow-moving and dead inventory

· Foster open, healthy working relationships with all our tier-one distribution vendors

· Build and provide various supply chain-related reports that help the team make better-informed decisions

Goals:

· Reduce product acquisition cost while maintaining appropriate buying and stocking practices

· Reduce purchasing errors

· Reduce inbound freight costs

· Reduce scaling branch personnel due to increased sales from organic, acquisition, and e-commerce growth

· Increase inventory turns

· Minimize dead and slow-moving inventory

· Consolidate vendor purchases to reduce warehouse receipts and accounts payable transactions

· Free up inside sales and branch managers to focus on other customer and branch-related aspects

Working Conditions:

· The Purchasing Supervisor will report directly to the COO. This role requires an on-site presence in the Birmingham, AL office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST. Moderate flexible hours can also be discussed if accommodations need to be made. Occasional overnight travel will be required, and occasional after-hours work is expected.

Requirements:

· At least 3 years of purchasing experience as a buyer or supervisor in an industrial distribution company or similar industry, ideally within a centralized or consolidated purchasing model.

· Supply chain or industrial distribution-related degree preferred, or a combination of education and experience.