What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Specialist position at SouthernCarlson, Inc.?
Purchasing Specialist
📍 Location: El Paso, TX
📅 Schedule: Monday – Friday | Full-Time
💲 Compensation: Competitive Base Salary
About Us
SouthernCarlson is a leading distributor of the most recognized brands of construction and packaging tools, fasteners, jobsite supplies, and expert service across North America. Since 1947, we’ve built our foundation on service, trust, and a commitment to providing professional-grade solutions that keep our customers running strong.
We offer the broadest selection of high-quality products from top suppliers in the industry—backed by tool repair services, reliable expertise, and a passion for helping contractors, builders, and manufacturers succeed.
At SouthernCarlson, Our Promise Means More™—because how we serve matters just as much as what we deliver.
Our Core Values – OUR PROMISE MEANS MORE™
🤝 Respect – We build relationships on trust, collaboration, and kindness while taking the time to learn, grow, and celebrate wins together.
💪 Integrity – We go above and beyond to help customers and employees and do what’s right to resolve issues.
⚙️ Teamwork – We support and encourage one another while working together to deliver a top-notch customer experience.
🏡 Family Environment – We’re a nationwide company with a local, family-like feel at every branch.
Position Overview
The Purchasing Specialist participates in all aspects of purchasing and inventory control for assigned brands and divisions. This role is responsible for executing purchase activities, ensuring that best decisions are made to meet departmental & organizational objectives and goals.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Research and issue general merchandise purchase orders for assigned brands and divisions while ensuring the best cost efficiencies at all times.
- Track and maintain purchase orders by confirming lead times, delivery dates, and current cost ensuring order accuracy.
- Prepare and/or review purchase requisitions.
- Review order replenishment reports and replenish inventory.
- Monitor inventory levels and ensure stocking levels are maintained and updated.
- Coordinate real-time product delivery status with distribution centers and stores.
- Prepare and maintain purchasing reports including but not limited to spend analysis, over and under stocked items & vendor fill rates and lead times.
- Work closely with key suppliers to support a strong supply chain and maintain successful relationships while ensuring delivery and quality issues are resolved timely.
- Assist merchandising team with promotions, new stocking requests, updated price sheets, and vendor communications.
- Investigate inventory discrepancies and order variances.
- Adhere to purchasing processes and procedures.
- Handle month end activities related to inventory and purchasing.
- Support department and other key stakeholders with purchasing and inventory initiatives.
- Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
You May Be a Good Fit If You Have:
- Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5 or more years of related experience purchasing for a distribution organization.
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize accordingly.
- Skilled in communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Knowledge of the ability to utilize basic technology and online tools.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook with an intermediate to advanced skill level In Excel.
Why You’ll Love It Here
💼 Competitive Compensation – Base salary
🤝 Collaborative Family Culture – Team-first environment built on trust and respect
📈 Career Growth Opportunities – We promote from within and support long-term success
🏥 Comprehensive Benefits:
Health, Dental, Vision
401(k) with Company Match
Paid Time Off and Holidays
Ready to grow your leadership career with SouthernCarlson? Apply today!
All offers are contingent on a successful background check and drug screening.
SouthernCarlson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.