Purchasing & Inventory Specialist

Location: Riverview, FL - Onsite | Full-Time

About The Role

As a Purchasing & Inventory Specialist, you'll manage the full purchase order lifecycle, support inventory replenishment activities, coordinate with vendors, and help ensure operational efficiency across the organization. This role serves as a primary point of contact for procurement and inventory operations, supporting both internal and external stakeholders through centralized communication channels. You'll help identify and resolve supply chain issues before they impact customers while supporting continuous improvement efforts throughout the purchasing process.

Responsibilities

• Procurement & Inventory Management
  • Manage the full purchase order lifecycle from creation through invoicing.
  • Review inventory planning reports and convert approved planned orders into purchase orders.
  • Monitor open purchase orders and proactively resolve delays, shortages, pricing discrepancies, and delivery issues.
  • Coordinate specialty and non-standard purchase requests from internal departments.
  • Analyze stockouts and support inventory planning strategies to improve product availability.
  • Maintain inventory and shipment data within the Purchasing Hub and identify opportunities to improve data accuracy.
• Vendor & Supplier Management
  • Communicate with vendors to ensure on-time and in-full (OTIF) delivery performance.
  • Escalate supplier performance issues to minimize supply chain risk.
  • Respond to lead-time inquiries and provide shipment tracking information.
  • Support annual vendor audits and maintain required documentation in accordance with ISO 9001 procedures.
• Customer & Internal Support
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for the Operations group email inbox.
  • Respond to Zendesk tickets and support internal stakeholders with purchasing and inventory-related inquiries.
  • Coordinate effectively with purchasing, warehouse, accounting, and customer-facing teams.
• Invoice Processing & Reconciliation
  • Process and reconcile drop ship, EDI, intercompany, and warehouse invoices.
  • Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies in partnership with vendors and Accounts Payable/Receivable.
  • Ensure accurate purchase order documentation and timely invoice submission.
  • Reconcile corporate card transactions and escalate issues when necessary.
• Operations & Administrative Support
  • Support KPI reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Maintain cross-training to ensure operational continuity.
  • Provide backup support for front desk activities as needed.
  • Assist with Operations team meetings, events, and administrative coordination.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 2-4 years of experience in procurement, inventory management, purchasing, supply chain, or related operations.
• Experience working with ERP, MRP, or inventory management systems required.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
• Experience in distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or import/export environments preferred.

Skills

• Strong understanding of inventory planning concepts, including forecasting, replenishment, and safety stock management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills and follow-through.

Other Requirements

• Must pass pre-employment background check, education and employment verification, and a 10-panel drug screening (including marijuana).

Benefits

• Collaborative team environment
• Opportunities to grow your supply chain and operations expertise
• Exposure to inventory planning, procurement, and vendor management
• A role that directly impacts customer satisfaction and business success