Customer Care Cross Reference & Sourcing Specialist - Vertical Markets Group

BUILD A BETTER CAREER WITH MSC

Serving customers and our community starts with the best people doing their best work. That is precisely what we have created at MSC Industrial Supply Co. We are a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), products and services. We offer more than 2 million products and have over 80 years of experience across dozens of industries.

We aim to execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise for all our stakeholders, including our associates.

Requisition  :21596

Employment Type : Full Time

Job Category : Customer Service/Support

Work Location : Mableton, GA

The Vertical Markets Group (VMG) Cross Reference & Sourcing Specialist provides end-to-end support for VMG
- Public Sector and Commercial customer opportunities that require matching customer-specific part numbers. In this role, the Specialist will be responsible for analyzing item specifications, identifying equivalent MSC products, sourcing non-stock and specialized items, and ensuring product compatibility and compliance that meet federal, state, and local government requirements. This position plays a critical role in supporting accurate item matching, regulatory compliance, dependable sourcing, and timely RFQ and bid submissions, enabling the sales team to confidently price and secure business.

The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment to deliver effective cross-reference and sourcing support. The Specialist will foster collaboration across sales, procurement, suppliers, and other key stakeholders, while maintaining detailed documentation and contributing to continuous process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and revenue growth.

• Cross-reference part numbers, NSNs, UPCs, manufacturer data, and competitor information using internal systems and external databases to match products to MSC part numbers.
• Research, validate, and identify equivalent or substitute products that meet government specifications, standards, and contract requirements.
• Maintain accurate cross-reference data and validate product compatibility, compliance, and replacement options for obsolete or end-of-life parts across ERP, contract management, and government pricing systems.

• Source non-stock, discontinued, and hard-to-find items through approved suppliers while ensuring alignment with customer requirements, bid specifications, and federal compliance standards.
• Identify and qualify suppliers that meet government contract requirements, including eligibility, registration, and documentation standards. (e.g., SAM registration, CAGE codes)
• Identify and qualify approved suppliers capable of supporting government contracts and compliance requirements. (e.g., FAR, DFARS, ITAR, BAA, and TAA requirements)
• Partner with suppliers to secure pricing, lead times, availability, and alternative product solutions while addressing supply chain disruptions and contract changes.

• Manage and track program add requests, ensuring timely coordination from intake through submission.
• Coordinate with sourcing and operational teams to support contract additions, maintain status updates, and communicate project progress.
• Validate source and cross-reference data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with government contract requirements.
• Maintain contract tracking tools and reporting, including item tracker, customer output analysis support, and comp data review to support revenue growth opportunities.

• Document cross-reference and sourcing decisions to support traceability and audit readiness.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of cross-referenced items, sourcing decisions, and supplier communications to support documentation standards and business continuity.
• Review cross-reference and sourcing product data for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with government purchasing regulations, contract terms, and internal standards.
• Contribute to process improvements that strengthen controls, reduce errors, and support operational effectiveness.

• Serve as the primary Cross & Source liaison across Sales and internal teams during bid development, facilitating meetings and ensuring all approvals are secured to move forward.
• Partner with Sales and cross-functional teams to align sourcing strategies with customer…