Purchasing Specialist

Purchasing Specialist

The Purchasing Specialist is a foundational supply chain role responsible for executing purchasing and inventory processes to support product availability, service performance, and operational stability. This position focuses on building strong execution discipline, data accuracy, and process consistency while developing a working understanding of assigned commodities, suppliers, and internal customer needs. $66,400 - $86,100 Annually DOE

The Purchasing Specialist contributes to commodity performance across cost, inventory, supplier performance, and service by supporting sourcing, planning, and supplier activities in alignment with company objectives.

Support end-to-end performance of assigned commodities by executing purchasing, inventory, and supplier coordination activities that contribute to cost control, inventory optimization, supplier performance, and service execution.

This role contributes to outcomes from source → pay → performance while developing an ownership mindset, foundational supply chain knowledge, and the ability to support data-driven decision making

COMMODITY OWNERSHIP

• Supports management of assigned SKUs, suppliers, and purchasing activity within defined commodities
• Begins developing ownership of outcomes by following through on commitments and resolving issues within scope
• Maintains awareness of cost, inventory, service, and supplier performance within assigned commodities
• Assists in evaluating product mix, stocking strategies, and supplier utilization

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Demonstrates early ownership mindset and accountability
• Takes responsibility for assigned work rather than escalating prematurely
• Builds foundational understanding of commodity structure and performance drivers

STRATEGIC SOURCING & COST MANAGEMENT

• Supports sourcing activities and vendor coordination within assigned scope
• Assists with pricing, freight, and order-related supplier communication
• Supports cost control initiatives and purchasing decisions aligned with company objectives
• Develops understanding of supplier cost drivers and basic market influences

Performance Expectations:

• Begins understanding cost drivers (materials, freight, seasonality)
• Develops awareness of how sourcing decisions impact cost and value
• Supports execution of cost-related initiatives

INVENTORY & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

• Executes purchasing and replenishment processes using system-generated data and reports
• Monitors inventory levels to support availability, service, and demand requirements
• Identifies and addresses excess, slow-moving, and non-stock inventory items
• Supports stocking strategies aligned with demand and working capital considerations
• Partners with internal teams to support product availability and service levels

Performance Expectations:

• Executes purchasing and planning activities with precision and consistency
• Maintains strong adherence to defined processes
• Develops understanding of inventory performance (turns, excess, availability)

SUPPLIER PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

• Communicates with vendor representatives regarding orders, freight, and supply issues
• Supports supplier performance through issue resolution and coordination
• Assists in monitoring delivery, availability, and responsiveness
• Maintains professional and effective supplier relationships

Performance Expectations:

• Supports supplier accountability through follow-up and communication
• Develops understanding of supplier performance drivers such as On-Time In-Full (OTIF), lead time, and quality
• Contributes to consistent and reliable supplier execution

MARKET & ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCE

• Develops foundational understanding of commodity markets, supplier landscape, and demand drivers
• Builds awareness of basic market conditions such as pricing trends, availability, and seasonality
• Begins to understand external cost drivers, including materials and freight
• Develops awareness of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index (PPI) indicators and how external factors influence cost

Performance Expectations:

• Learns how market dynamics impact cost and supply
• Begins exposure to BLS/PPI indicators and cost trends
• Applies basic market awareness to purchasing decisions

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

• Partners with branches, operations, and internal teams to support inventory and service needs
• Assists in evaluating new products, vendors, and stocking opportunities
• Aligns purchasing activities with customer demand and service expectations
• Supports Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) processes through accurate execution and data support

Performance Expectations:

• Supports teammates and cross-functional partners with responsiveness and professionalism
• Builds understanding of how supply chain decisions impact customer value
• Contributes to a collaborative team environment

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT / FORCE MULTIPLIER

• Executes purchasing, planning, and supplier communication processes with consistency and discipline
• Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance service
• Participates in process…