Purchasing/Procurement Manager

Summary

The Purchasing / Procurement Manager is responsible for the day-to-day execution of all purchasing activities across the company's 38 branch locations and central distribution center. This role manages vendor relationships and lead time performance, purchase order flow, inventory replenishment, cost management, and rebate programs to ensure product availability, competitive cost of goods, and efficient inventory levels. The Purchasing Manager works closely with the sales & operations leadership, and branch managers to align procurement activities with business objectives. This position is primarily office-based at the company's Baltimore home office with periodic travel to branch locations and the distribution center. Standard business hours apply; occasional flexibility may be required during peak purchasing cycles or supplier events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Purchasing & Order Management

• Issue and manage purchase orders across all product categories in alignment with inventory targets and sales demand
• Monitor open orders, expedite critical items (un-allocatable items / stockouts of A & B Items), and resolve supplier delivery issues proactively
• Maintain accurate item costs, lead times, and minimum order quantities in the ERP system
• Coordinate with the distribution center to ensure inbound shipments are received, reconciled, and processed accurately
• Works with Accounts Payable and Controller to ensure purchase order accuracy.

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for key suppliers and manufacturers in the plumbing, PVF, and waterworks categories
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and program participation (rebates, co-op, stocking programs) with supplier representatives
• Evaluate supplier performance on fill rates, on-time delivery, and quality; escalate issues as needed
• Identify and onboard new suppliers to support product line expansion or supply chain redundancy

Inventory Management

• Manage replenishment parameters (forecasting demand, safety stock and reorder points) to maintain optimal inventory levels across locations
• Analyze slow-moving and excess inventory; develop and execute return, transfer, or liquidation strategies
• Partner with branch managers and sales to forecast seasonal demand and support special order management
• Conduct regular inventory accuracy reviews and support cycle count programs

List Price and Cost Management

• Maintain cost accuracy in pricing systems and ensure cost changes are communicated to sales and pricing teams promptly
• Support gross margin analysis by tracking landed cost, freight, and rebate impact on product profitability
• Coordinate annual cost updates and price sheet negotiations with supplier reps

Reporting & Process Improvement

• Produce regular purchasing and inventory KPI reports: fill rates, turns, GMROI, purchase variance, and supplier scorecard metrics
• Identify process inefficiencies in the procurement cycle and recommend improvements
• Support implementation of purchasing policies, approval workflows, and compliance standards
• Assist in ERP system improvements, data integrity projects, and technology initiatives related to procurement

Key Competencies

• Supplier Relationship Management- Builds productive, long-term relationships with vendors while maintaining appropriate commercial leverage.
• Analytical Thinking- Uses data to drive purchasing decisions, identify trends, and measure procurement performance.
• Attention to Detail- Maintains high accuracy in PO management, cost data, and inventory parameters.
• Collaboration- Works effectively across branches, operations, sales, and finance to align purchasing with business needs.
• Accountability- Takes ownership of outcomes, follows through on commitments, and proactively addresses problems.

• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in wholesale distribution, industrial distribution, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating supplier contracts or pricing programs
• Proficiency with distribution ERP systems
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis)
• Solid understanding of inventory management principles: reorder points, safety stock, lead time, and turnover
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred

• Experience in the plumbing, HVAC, PVF, or building materials wholesale distribution industry
• Familiarity with plumbing product lines and manufacturer programs (e.g., Watts, Viega, Mueller, A.O. Smith, Nibco, or similar)
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• CPSM, CPP, or equivalent procurement certification
• Experience supporting multi-location or multi-branch distribution operations

Available Benefits

You will be eligible to participate in the Company’s benefits program on first of the month after 45 days of employment. This includes medical, dental, vision, short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and 401(k) Plan. The medical, dental, and vision plans are offered for employees and their families.