Purchasing Specialist

Vera Bradley•Roanoke, IN

6d•$50,500 - $69,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Purchasing Specialist will execute the procurement of operational and production supplies. Responsibilities include managing daily supply counts, processing purchase requisitions, maintaining accuracy of operational supply inventory, maintaining MRO inventory within the tool crib inventory management system, and assisting with resolving discrepancies between purchase orders, receipts, and invoicing of finished goods or services. The role ensures inventory and procurement processes, transactions, and records are accurate and documented. This position is the business owner of MRO/GNFR supplies regarding stock levels, dead stock, and minimizing OPEX while partnering with internal customers to minimize downtime. The specialist purchases materials, equipment, supplies, and services of a specialized or complex nature in compliance with purchasing policies and procedures. They review purchase requisitions, create purchase orders, and place spot buys as needed. The role supports buyers in developing sources of supplies, issuing bid requests, preparing bid specifications, formal bid invitations, or requests for proposals; receiving and analyzing bids, quotes, and proposals; selecting and awarding vendors to procure requisitioned commodities; and administering contracts. Collaboration with internal customers and other department heads is key to avoid stock outs while controlling inventory costs. The specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory levels within the tool crib as set by Engineering and Procurement managers, and for the purchasing of MRO parts inventoried within the tool crib. They are responsible for inventory control efforts of the daily operational supply, controlling inventory levels and supply cost. Additionally, they are responsible for resolving inventory, purchase order, receiving, and invoice discrepancies and implementing corrective action. The role leads inventory and continuous improvement projects relating to operations and process, including 5S & Kaizen events for the area. General housekeeping requirements within the tool crib to maintain organization and cleanliness are also a responsibility. The specialist creates purchase orders and maintains trade agreements for distribution center supplies, janitorial, crib, office supplies closet, and any other satellite location. Coordination with suppliers regarding order status to ensure on-time delivery is required, as is the creation of satellite locations for supplies where applicable and economical. Maintaining accuracy of systemic inventory levels in CMMS software (eMaint) and coordinating service and repair requirements with outside contractors are also part of the role. Support buyers in processing purchase requisitions and vendor setups for internal customers, and performing other duties as assigned by the manager are also included.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in supply chain, warehouse, or distribution environment required.
Strong PC skills required, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Ability to analyze forecast information to anticipate the needs of the distribution center.
Ability to work well under pressure and strong decision making ability.
Ability to create reports and be a self-starter by seeing opportunities and acting to improve the business.
Able to lift up to 30 lbs.

Nice To Haves

2 to 4 years in inventory management, purchasing or related supply chain field preferred.
D365 experience preferred.
Familiar with CMMS software preferred.
Light manufacturing/industrial experience preferred with a basic understanding of Vera Bradley manufacturing and operational process preferred.
Experience with inventory management preferred.
Experience with setting up and maintaining data within ERP systems preferred.
Good interpersonal and communication skills, which experience in cross functional teams.
Detail oriented with ability to prioritize and manage workload.

Responsibilities

Execute the procurement of operational and production supplies.
Manage daily supply counts.
Process purchase requisitions.
Maintain accuracy of operational supply inventory.
Maintain MRO inventory within the tool crib inventory management system.
Assist with resolving discrepancies between purchase orders, receipts, and invoicing of finished goods or services.
Ensure inventory and procurement processes, transactions, and records are accurate and documented.
Act as the business owner of MRO/GNFR supplies regarding stock levels, dead stock, and minimizing OPEX while partnering with internal customers to minimize downtime.
Purchase materials, equipment, supplies, and services of a specialized or complex nature in compliance with purchasing policies and procedures.
Review purchase requisitions and create purchase orders, and place spot buys as needed.
Support buyers to develop sources of supplies; issue bid requests, prepare bid specifications, formal bid invitations, or requests for proposals; receive and analyze bids, quotes, and proposals; select and award vendors to procure requisitioned commodities; and administer contracts.
Collaborate with internal customers and other department heads to avoid stock outs while controlling inventory costs.
Maintain accurate inventory levels within the tool crib as set by Engineering and Procurement managers.
Purchase MRO parts inventoried within the tool crib.
Manage inventory control efforts of the daily operational supply with controlling inventory levels and supply cost.
Resolve inventory, purchase order, receiving, and invoice discrepancies and implement corrective action.
Lead inventory and continuous improvement projects relating to operations and process including 5S & Kaizen events for the area.
Perform general housekeeping requirements within the tool crib to maintain organization and cleanliness.
Create purchase orders and maintain trade agreements for distribution center supplies, janitorial, crib, office supplies closet, and any other satellite location.
Coordinate with suppliers regarding the status of orders to ensure on-time delivery of goods needed for internal customers.
Create satellite locations for supplies where applicable and economical.
Maintain accuracy of systemic inventory levels in CMMS software (eMaint).
Coordinate service and repair requirements with outside contractors.
Support buyers in processing purchase requisitions and vendor setups for internal customers.
Perform other duties as assigned by the manager as needed.

Benefits

Variety of medical, dental and vision programs
Medical plan options including both a HDHP/HSA plan and a PPO plan
Dental
Vision
Flexible spending accounts
Survivor Benefits
Employer provided 2X your salary in life insurance
Accidental Death and Disability insurance
Voluntary life insurance for you, your spouse and your children
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
401k with generous company match, immediate vesting (age and service requirement)
Strong line up of professionally managed funds
Safe-harbor plan design
Earn up to 3 weeks of paid time off in your first year of employment with opportunity to earn more
9 paid holidays a year
Paid bereavement leave
Voluntary Time Off
Access to a variety of financial, physical, and mental wellness experts
Employee Assistance Program with access to work/life wellness support including no cost unlimited telephonic counseling services
Opportunities for leadership development, skill development and career advancement
Generous employee discount on Vera Bradley products
Bonus opportunity
Identity protection
Legal services
Pet insurance
Cell phone discount
Employee referral bonus
Annual birthday gift
DailyPay
Corporate fitness facility
Individual policies through Aflac