What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Specialist position at mSupply?
About mSupply™
mSupply is a North American distributor of OEM repair parts and equipment serving the appliance, HVAC and plumbing industries. Headquartered in St. Louis, the company combines industry expertise with a broad product selection and a national distribution network.
With 2,000 employees across the United States and Canada, mSupply delivers speed and reliability at scale, with a vast product inventory and same-day shipping. Its family of brands is focused on making sure customers always get the Right Products. Right Now.™
Job Summary
The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for overseeing purchase policies, procedures, and processes related to Purchase Order administration for designated branch locations, vendors, or product categories. This role leverages product expertise, procurement planning, and strategic sourcing methods to manage inbound purchase orders and facilitate special order fulfillment.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Demonstrates proficiency with vendor-specific platforms and web-based systems.
- Utilizes the company ERP system effectively for data entry, messaging, queue management, batching, and purchasing operations.
- Accurately maintains product records within the ERP system.
- Ensures precise management of purchase orders and special-order processing.
- Proactively update open purchase orders to ensure accurate arrival timelines, expediting when necessary.
- Review and maintain current vendor lead times to support reliable planning.
- Resolve vendor delivery issues efficiently, escalating unresolved matters as appropriate.
- Cultivate and sustain strong vendor relationships; promptly inform management of critical or complex issues.
- Manage job and special-order queues daily to ensure smooth fulfillment.
- Oversee timely and accurate placement of all special orders.
- Respond to internal status inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Manage order acknowledgements and resolve pricing discrepancies.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to address product damage and freight claims.
- Maintain open purchase order reports with accuracy and consistency.
- Escalate potential workflow disruptions to management as needed.
- Exercise sound judgment to anticipate and support the needs of assigned areas.
- Maintain proficiency in company systems for tasks including data entry, communication logs, and workflow updates.
- Perform additional duties as assigned, adapting to evolving business needs.
Qualifications
- 1 years of experience in purchasing and related operations.
- Exceptional organizational, multitasking, and communication skills
- Intermediate in Microsoft Excel (including formulas and formatting)
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Skilled in using office technology, including computers, phone systems, and virtual platforms.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
This role requires approximately 40 hours per week and involves routine physical activity, including:
- Regular bending, lifting, and carrying of items up to 10 lbs
- Prolonged use of hands and arms for computer and office-related tasks
- Extended periods of sitting (up to 8 hours), with intermittent standing and walking
- Frequent communication via phone and in-person interactions (up to 6 hours daily)
- Continuous use of office equipment such as computers and phones (up to 8 hours)
What We Offer:
We prioritize your well-being from day one with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage effective immediately
- 401(k) plan with company contributions
- Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
- HSA/FSA options and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days
- Weekly pay, employee discounts, and more
Equal Employment Opportunity & Pre-Employment Requirements
mSupply is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We make employment decisions without regard to sex, age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact careers@msupply.com.
Final offers of employment may be contingent upon completion of job-related pre-employment checks and screenings permitted by law for the position. For roles that require operation of a company vehicle, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check may also be conducted to determine insurability. This employer participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility in the United States.
Salary : $41,588 - $55,739