VMI Technician

Location: Union Gap, WA – Retail Shop.

About the role

The VMI technician will be responsible for implementing and maintaining a Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) program located at a wide variety of customer locations. The responsibilities include order placement, product deliveries, and reporting about customer day-to-day operations to various stakeholders within Airgas. VMI technicians provide customers with industry knowledge related to best practices and innovative product offerings.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming point of contact with Airgas customers regarding gasses, hardgoods, or other equipment.
• Collaborates on and coordinates local VMI programs including delivery of product, restocking and re‑supply as necessary.
• Provides area supply chain managers, account managers and branch managers with updates related to the customer VMI program.
• Enters orders in SAP and researches products as necessary.
• Follows up on back orders and provides helpful insights to various customers.
• Works together with account managers to maintain continuity in pricing strategies for each account.
• Identifies additional items that could be supplied and nurtured through the VMI program.
• Helps to quote and sample new products for customers.
• Orders product to ensure proper inventory levels are met.
• Communicates inventory requirements and changes to the supporting branch.
• Partners with Area Supply Chain Manager to update inventory levels at local branches.
• Helps establish Min/Max levels based on delivery cycle and customer stock level requirements.
• Supports inventory health at customer sites.
• Reviews customer usage and suggests thoughtful adjustments to product levels to optimize flow and product turn.
• Communicates customer concerns and questions to proper Airgas personnel.
• Ensures the ongoing care and maintenance of Airgas vehicles.
• Attains customer signatures on delivery documents.
• Updates database system to close out delivery ticket information on a daily basis.
• Evaluates and guides new delivery points for accessibility and safety for our drivers.
• Maintains VMI System by cleaning, organizing and re‑labeling bins.
• Organizes production additions and deletions.
• Provides emergency response support for the area.
• Provides initial troubleshooting support and resolution for VMI equipment.
• Shares industry knowledge with various levels within the customer's organization.
• Mentors and shares knowledge with various personnel within Airgas.

Requirements

• High school diploma or the equivalent, five years related experience and/or training or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of one to three years of experience in an industrial retail, inside sales, customer service and/or inventory control related position.
• Experience using SAP or similar software systems.
• Intermediate computer skills with a strong command of basic data input and extraction using standard productivity suites (e.g., Google Workspace).
• Proven ability to work effectively under deadlines and with little supervision and to complete a high volume of paperwork accurately and on time.
• Ability to clearly communicate by phone, email or in person with customers, sales staff, Branch Manager and all the other branch personnel.
• Must be able to work with a wide variety of people with different personalities and backgrounds.
• May be required to operate a forklift in the warehouse.
• Ability to read and comprehend safety data sheets.
• Must be able to operate in a drug‑free workplace.
• Candidates must have valid employment authorization in the U.S. and must not require visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred qualifications: Prior industrial gas experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance.
• Up to 14-week paid child birth benefits.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match.
• Tuition Assistance.
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick time.
• Benefits start after 30 days of employment.
• Short-term and long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pre-tax commuter transportation benefit, parental leave, vacation, sick time, floating holidays,