Inventory Buyer

Southwest Accessory Group is seeking an experienced Inventory Buyer to support the purchasing, planning, and inventory management of automotive parts and accessories.

The Inventory Buyer is responsible for maintaining appropriate inventory levels while balancing product availability, customer demand, supplier lead times, inventory investment, and operational requirements. This position manages purchasing activity, monitors inventory trends, maintains critical purchasing and item data, and proactively identifies potential stockouts, excess inventory, supplier delays, and other supply-chain risks.

This role works cross-functionally with suppliers, Sales, Customer Service, Distribution Operations, Accounting, and Inventory Management to ensure product availability and support an efficient and responsive supply chain.

• Purchase automotive parts, accessories, materials, and supplies based on forecasts, inventory requirements, and business demand.
• Create, maintain, and monitor purchase orders through completion.
• Ensure products are procured in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Monitor supplier performance, lead times, order fulfillment, and delivery expectations.
• Develop and maintain productive supplier relationships.
• Support supplier negotiations and procurement strategies.
• Ensure suppliers comply with applicable purchasing requirements and Company expectations.
• Maintain and upload supplier pricing and related purchasing information.

• Monitor inventory levels and maintain appropriate stock based on forecasts, historical demand, supplier lead times, sales activity, and business intelligence.
• Identify and communicate potential stockouts, excess inventory, inventory shortages, extended lead times, and other supply-chain risks .
• Analyze inventory trends and recommend appropriate purchasing actions.
• Support forecasting and inventory planning activities.
• Monitor product lifecycle and assist with inventory strategies for new, active, aging, and discontinued products.
• Partner with Inventory Management to optimize inventory availability while minimizing unnecessary inventory investment.

• Maintain accurate item master information.
• Maintain purchase order and intercompany transfer data.
• Upload and maintain monthly supplier pricing.
• Upload and maintain required daily inventory files for suppliers.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and inventory information within ERP and WMS systems.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies affecting purchasing, inventory, pricing, or product availability.

• Proactively communicate supply-chain conditions and inventory concerns to appropriate stakeholders.
• Partner with Sales and Customer Service regarding product availability, shortages, and expected delivery dates.
• Work closely with Distribution Operations to address inventory movement and availability.
• Partner with Accounting regarding purchasing, pricing, and supplier-related discrepancies.
• Provide timely reporting and analysis to support business and inventory decisions.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory management, supply-chain planning, or a related role.
• Experience working with ERP and/or WMS systems;
  Net Suite experience preferred .
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with inventory forecasting, demand planning, and inventory analysis.
• Strong understanding of purchasing and inventory management principles.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships across departments and with external suppliers.
• Automotive parts, distribution, or multi-location inventory experience is a plus.

Success in this role includes:

• Maintaining appropriate inventory availability to support customer demand.
• Proactive…