Purchasing Specialist

About Us

Summit Companies, through its subsidiaries, is a full-service provider for fire detection, suppression, and security with capabilities that include design, installation, testing, inspections, and maintenance. We serve customers across many verticals on a local, regional, and national scale, operating over 100 locations in more than 30 states. Summit is recognized for service excellence in the fire protection industry and supports workforce development through apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and professional certifications such as NICET. Leadership is actively involved in NFPA code compliance committees, regional safety boards, and technical education in local schools.

We encourage initiative, independence, diversity, and personal career growth, aiming to be the Employer of Choice for motivated team members in a high-growth environment.

About the Role

The Purchasing Specialist supports the day-to-day procurement of materials, equipment, and services to meet project and inventory needs. The role involves processing transactions, coordinating with vendors and internal customers, and gaining exposure to ERP and CRM systems used within the fire and life safety industry.

Responsibilities

• Review purchase requests and create accurate purchase orders in accordance with company policies.
• Communicate with vendors to confirm pricing, lead times, and acknowledgments.
• Monitor order status and provide delivery updates to internal stakeholders.
• Assist with basic RFQ processes under the direction of more senior team members.
• Help maintain appropriate stock levels by ordering inventory items as needed.
• Participate in periodic inventory counts and reconcile discrepancies.
• Use ERP and CRM systems (e.g., Sage, Salesforce Lightning) to manage purchasing transactions and documentation.
• Collaborate with Warehouse, Accounts Payable, and Field Operations to support job requirements and resolve issues.
• Escalate complex issues or vendor performance concerns to the Purchasing Agent or Lead.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or some college coursework in Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
• 1–2 years of purchasing or procurement experience, strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting field service, construction, MRO, or distribution environments, preferred.
• Exposure to ERP or purchasing systems, strongly preferred.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Oracle Fusion.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and documentation.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Must comply with Summit’s Drug and Alcohol Policy and Background screening requirements, including customer-specific requirements based on contractual agreements.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain procedures, resolve issues, and coordinate cross-functionally without formal authority.
• Good organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn industry-specific materials, vendor programs, and terminology.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to sit and stand for long periods.
• Occasionally required to drive, bend, kneel, balance, lift up to 20 lbs, walk, stand, ascend/descend stairs, reach above and below shoulders, stoop, and twist.
• Consistently work indoors in an office or remote setting, alone or with others.
• Occasional travel required.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Long-Term Disability – Employer Paid
• Short-Term Disability – Employer Paid
• Additional Voluntary Ancillary Benefits (e.g., Accident and Hospital Indemnity)
• Life Insurance for Team Members and Dependents
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program

Summit Companies offers extensive training opportunities, career advancement, competitive pay, and bonus opportunities.