Lead VMI Coordinator

Founded in 1905, Turner Supply Company is a family-owned industrial distributor serving manufacturers nationwide. Customers rely on Turner for a comprehensive product assortment, competitive pricing, expert problem-solving, and cost-reduction programs that improve operational performance. Our leadership team actively champions core values—Empowerment, Development, Execution, Teamwork, Innovation, and Leadership—values that helped Turner Supply earn recognition as a Top Workplace in 2022. Headquartered in Mobile, Alabama, Turner operates 10 locations across the United States.

About the role

The Lead VMI Associate is responsible for leading and coordinating Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), vending, crib, and inventory management programs across assigned customer locations. This position serves as the primary field resource for inventory optimization, vending technologies, machine maintenance, customer support, training, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Lead VMI Associate provides day-to-day direction to VMI team members while ensuring exceptional customer service, inventory accuracy, equipment uptime, operational performance, and safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Champion company culture, safety standards, quality expectations, and core values.
• Lead and coordinate daily activities of VMI Associates assigned to customer accounts and service routes.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for inventory discrepancies, stock-outs, customer concerns, and equipment issues.
• Manage multiple customer locations, service schedules, projects, inventory programs, and vending solutions simultaneously.
• Provide onboarding, coaching, and training to new VMI Associates and support ongoing skills development.
• Coordinate implementation, setup, expansion, relocation, and optimization of VMI and vending programs.
• Analyze inventory consumption, usage trends, replenishment levels, and service requirements to maximize product availability and inventory turns.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, repair, and maintain vending machines, inventory cabinets, scanners, barcode systems, dispensing equipment, and related hardware.
• Perform preventive maintenance on vending machines, lockers, cabinets, and inventory management equipment.
• Coordinate repairs with vendors and internal resources when advanced service is required.
• Maintain accurate equipment maintenance records and service history documentation.
• Monitor inventory accuracy, machine performance, and program effectiveness through audits and cycle counts.
• Develop and maintain expertise in ERP, vending management, and inventory control systems.
• Work closely with sales, purchasing, warehouse, customer service, and customer representatives to resolve issues and support growth opportunities.
• Support warehouse operations, order fulfillment, receiving, stocking, cycle counting, and deliveries as needed.
• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on service, efficiency, inventory accuracy, equipment uptime, and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with customer site requirements, safety standards, and company policies.
• Maintain professional customer relationships and represent the company positively at all times.

Tracking, Reporting, and Performance Metrics

• Track and report inventory accuracy, stock-out percentages, service levels, machine uptime, order fulfillment accuracy, and route performance.
• Monitor customer usage trends and provide recommendations for inventory optimization.
• Prepare recurring KPI reports for warehouse leadership and sales management.
• Track vending machine utilization, refill frequency, equipment downtime, repair trends, and maintenance completion rates.
• Report service failures, root causes, corrective actions, and improvement opportunities.
• Maintain documentation related to audits, inventory counts, machine service records, and customer projects.

Requirements

• Exceptional customer service, leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and direct the activities of others when necessary.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office, ERP systems, inventory software, and vending management platforms.
• Working knowledge of SnapVend, CribMaster, Field Office, or similar systems preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment and inventory dispensing systems.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in VMI, vending, inventory control, warehouse operations, industrial distribution, or related environments.
• Previous leadership, training, or team lead experience preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Work Environment

Work is performed at customer locations, warehouses, loading docks, and field environments with routine use of computers, scanners, inventory systems, vending machines, company vehicles, forklifts, and material handling equipment.

Physical Demands

Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing, pushing, pulling, and lifting. Regular lifting of items up to 75 pounds. Ability to perform equipment troubleshooting and repair activities.

Travel

Frequent travel to customer locations for service, inventory management, equipment maintenance, project implementation, audits, and customer support activities.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Wellness Program
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Company-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• 401(k) with a generous company match