Purchasing Manager

Buck Lumber & Building Supply•Charleston, SC

18h

About The Position

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the purchase of lumber, panels, and related building materials to ensure the lumber yard maintains competitive pricing, consistent inventory, and strong vendor relationships. This role requires deep knowledge of lumber products, commodity markets, and supply chain operations, along with the ability to forecast demand and optimize inventory levels to support customer needs and profitability.

Requirements

Education: High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree in business or related field is preferred.
Skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), and POS systems.
Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.
Logistics: Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable personal transportation.
Attributes: Demonstrated leadership ability, strong communication skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Source and purchase dimensional lumber, engineered wood, plywood, OSB, and other building materials from mills, wholesalers, and distributors.
Negotiate pricing, contracts, freight rates, and payment terms with suppliers.
Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key vendors to ensure product availability and favorable terms.
Monitor lumber and commodity markets to anticipate cost fluctuations and adjust purchasing strategies.
Update pricing weekly.
Maintain appropriate stock levels to support sales and customer demand.
Collaborate with sales and operations teams to forecast demand based on historical sales, seasonal trends, and construction activity.
Implement systems and processes for accurate inventory tracking and reorder points.
Perform inventory cycle counts. Identify and research significant fluctuations.
Work with operations staff to coordinate timely deliveries and stocking.
Ensure quality control on incoming shipments and address issues with damaged or incorrect products.
Assist in optimizing yard layout and storage practices to improve efficiency.
Monitor supplier performance to ensure competitive costs, on-time deliveries, and product quality.
Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through bulk purchases, vendor consolidation, and freight optimization.
Track and report on purchasing metrics, including cost per unit, inventory turns, and supplier performance.
Track and report all vendor rebates.
Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies and industry regulations.
Maintain accurate purchase orders, records, and vendor agreements.
Support finance and management with timely reporting on purchasing activities and cost forecasts.