Purchasing Manager

About Munch’s Supply

Founded in 1956, Munch’s Supply provides heating, cooling and plumbing products to contractors across Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. The company has built its business on delivering quality service and long‑term customer relationships, all centered around top industry brands including American Standard, Trane, Mitsubishi and Rheem.

Oversees all procurement activities related to inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels to meet customer demand. This role is responsible for maintaining strong vendor relationships, optimizing purchasing systems, and driving operational efficiency through the effective leadership and development of the purchasing team.

• Leads by example in professionalism and customer engagement while coaching team members through regular one‑on‑ones using tools such as the GROW model and EPNs.
• Recognizes strong performance and ensures consistent policy enforcement in coordination with HR and supervisors.
• Oversees all inventory purchasing functions and personnel, directing team activities to ensure timely execution and operational efficiency while monitoring productivity and addressing performance issues.
• Manages purchase orders, product file accuracy, damaged goods, special orders, branch transfers, freight claims, and cost controls.
• Utilizes ERP tools to forecast demand, maintain optimal inventory levels, and drive procurement decisions aligned with business goals.
• Continuously improves purchasing processes, ensures compliance with best practices, and contributes to new product initiatives and program execution.
• Manages vendor relationships, resolving issues and ensuring compliance with company and customer standards.
• Evaluates vendor performance, negotiates terms, and communicates key insights and updates to internal teams.
• Secures favorable pricing, delivery timelines, and product quality through strategic vendor engagement.
• Oversees inventory turns and service level performance, implementing controls to optimize stock across branches.
• Analyzes sales and usage trends to develop effective stocking strategies in collaboration with Product Managers.
• Reviews inventory reports to guide data‑driven purchasing and replenishment decisions.
• Serves as the primary liaison between vendors, branches, and internal departments, ensuring clear communication on product availability, pricing, orders, and vendor programs.
• Aligns cross‑functional teams on product updates and resolves related issues efficiently.
• Demonstrates advanced proficiency in ERP and vendor systems, managing item setup, system updates, and execution of purchase and transfer orders.
• Prepares accurate reports, documentation, and professional correspondence as required.
• Utilizes purchasing principles (e.g., min/max levels, lead times, safety stock) to inform procurement decisions.
• Leverages historical trends, seasonality, and vendor programs for data‑driven purchasing.
• Monitors and enhances key performance indicators, including Inventory Turns, OTIF, Fill Rate, Forecast Accuracy, and PPV.

• Travels as required to fulfill business needs
• Maintains proficiency in company systems for data entry, communication, and workflow management
• Performs additional duties as assigned, adapting to evolving organizational needs and responsibilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Inventory Management, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing and inventory management, including 2+ years in a supervisory or leadership role
• Proven experience with ERP systems, preferably in a distribution or multi‑branch environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and standard office technologies (computers, scanners, phones, virtual platforms)

• 7+ years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, inventory management, and related functions, including 5+ years in a supervisory or leadership role
• Proficient in Epicor Eclipse ERP systems

This role requires approximately 40+ hours per week and involves routine physical activity,…