Purchasing & Inventory Specialist

Job Title: Purchasing & Inventory Control Specialist Reports To: Purchasing Manager Location: Nederland, TXJob Summary:The Purchasing & Inventory Control Specialist is responsible for supporting the procurement of lumber and building materials across all company locations, with a primary focus on maintaining optimal inventory levels and ensuring timely, accurate purchasing.This role also provides oversight of company inventory processes, ensures proper cost alignment, and facilitates and monitors inventory reporting. The position plays a key role in connecting purchasing decisions with real-time inventory conditions to support overall operational efficiency.The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and capable of coordinating across multiple teams in a fast-paced environment.Key Responsibilities:Purchasing & Procurement (Primary Focus – ~75%):Manage day-to-day procurement of some-commodity lumber and building materials across multiple locations, ensuring alignment with sales demand and inventory needsCreate, track, and follow up on purchase orders, ensuring accuracy in pricing, quantities, and delivery timelinesCommunicate with vendors to place orders, confirm availability, resolve discrepancies, and maintain consistent service levelsBuild and maintain strong vendor relationships to support reliability, competitive pricing, and effective problem resolutionMonitor open orders and proactively expedite shipments to prevent delays and stockoutsPartner with sales and inventory teams to maintain appropriate stock levels, support large or special orders, and respond to changing demandAnalyze sales trends, usage patterns, and seasonal demand to make informed purchasing decisionsMaintain accurate product costs and purchasing data, and assist with pricing updates in the systemIdentify and source substitute or alternative products to ensure continuity of supplyMonitor vendor performance, including lead times and fill rates, and address issues as neededStay aware of market conditions and pricing trends to support cost-effective purchasing decisionsInventory Control & Oversight (Secondary Focus – ~25%):Provide oversight of inventory accuracy across all locations, with a focus on cost integrity and proper valuationReview inventory adjustments, particularly related to shrink, damage, or receiving discrepancies Coordinate with inventory teams to investigate inventory losses, identify root causes, and ensure appropriate corrections are made Partner with accounting and operations to ensure inventory cost corrections are accurate and properly documented Work closely with purchasing activities to align replenishment decisions with actual inventory conditions and sales movement Support and guide cycle counts and physical inventory processes to improve overall accuracy and consistency Cross-Functional Collaboration:Work closely with sales, inventory, and delivery teams to ensure alignment between purchasing, inventory levels, and customer demand Communicate clearly regarding stock levels, backorders, and incoming materials Act as a point of coordination between locations, purchasing, and accounting for inventory-related issues Qualifications:Experience:2–4 years of experience in purchasing, inventory control, or operations within a distribution or LBM environment preferred Skills:Strong attention to detail and organizational skills Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on open items Comfortable coordinating across multiple teams and locations Problem-solving mindset with the ability to investigate and resolve discrepancies Technical Knowledge:Working understanding of purchasing and inventory control processes Familiarity with lumber and building materials is a plus Experience with ERP or inventory management systems preferred Physical Requirements:Ability to work in both office and yard environments as needed Occasional lifting and site visits to yard or warehouse areas Benefits:Competitive wages Health, dental, and vision insurance Retirement plan options including employer match Paid time off and holidays Employee discounts on products Opportunities for career growth and development