What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Manager position at Harvest Landscape Enterprises, Inc?
Purchasing Manager
Overview
Harvest Landscape is a rapidly growing company with over 700 employees serving communities across Southern California. Our core focus is HOA landscape maintenance and installation, and we are committed to operational excellence and margin discipline as we scale.
We are seeking a highly strategic, operations-driven Purchasing Manager to lead our procurement function and protect company margins. This role is critical to ensuring materials are available when needed—without overstocking or overspending.
The ideal candidate operates beyond transactional purchasing and acts as a true partner to field operations, leveraging forecasting, vendor strategy, and data to drive efficiency and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
Operations Planning
- Anticipate material needs 2–6 weeks in advance based on job pipeline and seasonal demand
- Partner closely with operations teams to ensure crews are never delayed due to material shortages
- Align purchasing with branch ordering patterns and installation schedules
Forecasting & Demand Planning
- Analyze usage trends across key categories (irrigation, chemicals, plant material, hardscape, etc.)
- Develop forecasts and standing orders to reduce emergency purchasing
- Transition purchasing from reactive ordering to proactive planning
Vendor Management & Negotiation
- Negotiate pricing, agreements, and terms, including:
- Volume pricing and rebate structures
- Seasonal price locks
- Return policies and warranties
- Payment terms
- Build and maintain strong, strategic vendor relationships
Purchasing Controls
- Implement approved vendor lists and material standardization
- Reduce counter purchases and enforce purchasing policies across branches
- Improve cost predictability company-wide
Inventory Management
- Maintain optimal inventory levels across multiple locations
- Establish and manage min/max levels
- Stock high-use items while leveraging vendor-held inventory for slower-moving materials
- Pre-stage materials for large projects
Data & Performance Tracking
- Track and report key metrics, including:
- Cost per maintenance hour
- Vendor price variance
- Rush order frequency
- Counter purchase percentage
- Inventory shrinkage
- Use data to identify cost savings and drive process improvements
Plant/Nursery Procurement Oversight
- Ensure plant ordering is accurate, timely, and aligned with job requirements
- Coordinate closely with operations and installation teams
Strategic Leadership
- Monitor market trends and supplier risks
- Provide leadership with actionable cost-saving recommendations
- Serve as a key driver of margin protection and operational efficiency
Qualifications
- 3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management
- Experience in landscaping, construction, or a related field preferred
- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
- Proven ability to analyze data and forecast demand
- Experience with inventory systems and purchasing processes
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
What We’re Looking For
- Proactive, forward-thinking mindset
- Strong attention to detail and cost control
- Ability to balance field needs with financial goals
- Data-driven decision maker
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary: $90,000 – $120,000
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Opportunities for growth and advancement
Salary : $90,000 - $120,000