Purchasing Specialist

Execute the procurement of operational and production supplies.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily supply counts and process purchase requisitions.
• Maintain accuracy of operational supply inventory and 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 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, 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.
• Control inventory levels and supply costs for daily operational supplies.
• 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.
• Maintain general housekeeping requirements within the tool crib to ensure organization and cleanliness.
• Create purchase orders and maintain trade agreements for distribution center supplies, janitorial, crib, office supplies closet, and any other satellite locations.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in supply chain, warehouse, or distribution environment required.
• 2 to 4 years in inventory management, purchasing, or related supply chain field preferred.
• D365 experience preferred.
• Familiar with CMMS software preferred.

Skills

• Light manufacturing/industrial experience preferred with a basic understanding of manufacturing and operational processes.
• Strong PC skills required, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience with inventory management preferred.
• Experience with setting up and maintaining data within ERP systems preferred.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize and manage workload.
• Ability to analyze forecast information to anticipate the needs of the distribution center.
• Ability to work well under pressure and strong decision-making ability.
• Self-starter with the ability to create reports and identify opportunities to improve the business.

Environment & Physical Demands

• Office/Warehouse environment—frequent to constant sitting at a desk utilizing a PC.
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs.

Benefits

• Medical plan options including both a HDHP/HSA plan and a PPO plan.
• Dental and vision programs.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Employer-provided life insurance (2X your salary).
• Accidental Death and Disability insurance.
• Voluntary life insurance for you, your spouse, and your children.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• 401k with generous company match and immediate vesting (age and service requirement).
• 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 for community service.
• 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, and individual policies through Aflac.

Pay

Base Pay Range: $50,500.00 to $69,400.00