Purchasing Specialist

Johnstone Supply LLC•Houston, TX

About The Position

Ensures that products are readily available to assigned stores by monitoring and replenishing inventory as necessary to attain company target fill rates and inventory turns.

Requirements

High School graduate or equivalent.
Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or related field; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of inventory control theories, principles and techniques, and distribution operations; demonstrated competency in applying principles to pricing, inventory and distribution scenarios.
Knowledge of business math (e.g. arithmetic, algebra, ratio, margin, interest computations) and demonstrated competency in applying mathematical principles to analyze pricing, inventory and distribution scenarios.
Knowledge of purchasing related accounting principles and practices and the reporting of financial data.
Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite and internet browsers
Ability to use inventory, supply chain, and distribution software to manage inventory levels and purchasing activities.
Clerical skills sufficient to maintain organized work processes, files, and records.
Strict attention to detail.
Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in interactions that feature competing interests.
Excellent oral and written communication and “internal customer service” skills.
Problem-solving skills: listening to, interpreting, and meeting the needs of others; diagnosing and rectifying problems.
Skill in following through on commitments.
Ability to manage time in a deadline driven environment.
Strong ability to multitask and skill in prioritizing work.
Ability to maintain a positive and friendly demeanor in a stressful and fast paced environment.
Ability to work efficiently and with a sense of urgency.
Ability to demonstrate considerable tact and diplomacy in dealing with coworkers and vendors and to maintain relationships.
Keeps the company’s best interest in mind at all times.
Maintains a professional personal appearance.

Nice To Haves

1-3 years’ experience in a similar position
Experience with purchasing in a wholesale distribution environment in the HVAC/R industry

Responsibilities

Processes customer special order requests (aka procurements) by following established processes. Creates and transmits the purchase orders for the procurements to the appropriate vendors.
Processes Suggested PO Queue by following established processes. Creates and transmits the purchase orders for the converted Suggested Purchase Orders to the appropriate vendors.
Resolves invoicing issues between supplier and accounting and receiving non-conformance issues.
Monitors and reports to issues and opportunities resulting from deviations in plan.
Processes required data for vendor rebates.
Works with the Purchasing Manager to complete accurate forecasts, evaluating sales, markdowns, and receipts.
Processes PO acknowledgements/confirmations.
Manages and monitors the aged inventory, controls the markdown process and communicates variances to the Purchasing Manager.
Creates and maintains part numbers and vendor files, information including lead time, average freight, vendor website, representative and contact info.
Assists with vendor returns and quality and stock flow issues.
Maintains price sheets to insure accurate COGS.
Troubleshoots backorder problems, making sure that expediting takes place as necessary. Communicates exceptions to store staff and management.
Completes extended warranties with vendors.
Tracks vendor shipment dates. Follows up on overdue purchase orders. Contacts vendors to correct mistakes and updates the system with correct due dates.
Monitors non-stock inventory for stores; ensures cancelled orders and customer returns are reviewed and appropriate disposition taken.
Completes special projects as directed by Management.
May research, source, order and purchase special orders and non-catalog items.
May act as liaison between outside sales representatives and assist with research, price checking and order placing.
Adheres to all company policies, procedures, standards, and business ethics codes.
Maintains professional communication when interacting with vendors, customers, and coworkers. Treats all vendors, customers, and coworkers with a helpful and courteous attitude.

Benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO) – 3 weeks of PTO for individual contributors and 4 weeks for leaders
Safe Harbor 401(k) – 100% employer match up to 5% of base pay and immediately vests
Holiday pay – we recognize and pay our employees for 7.5 holidays per year
Employer subsidized medical, dental, and vision plans.
Employer paid life insurance and long-term disability
Voluntary short-term disability, accident and critical illness insurance
24/7 Access to virtual care/telehealth options, and Parental Time Off
Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
$100 wellness reward for completing annual health check-up
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you, and your family
Coverage for chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy services
Tuition reimbursement, up to $5,250 per year
Employee referral bonus program – earn up to $4,000 per year
Employee service milestone recognition program
Employee discounts on products & retail discounts
Variety of incentive plans for employees
Bi-weekly pay days on every other Friday
Opportunity to apply for the John M Shank Memorial Scholarship Fund, available to both Johnstone employees and children of employees