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Purchase Department Manager

Job

SOUTHERN OFFICE SUPPLY, INC.

Liberal, KS (In Person)

Full-Time

Posted 5 weeks ago (Updated 2 days ago) • Actively hiring

Expires 7/24/2026

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Job Description

Purchasing & Inventory Management Oversee all daily purchasing activities for the company. Place orders with multiple vendors and suppliers throughout the day. Maintain proper inventory levels using established purchasing practices such as: PAR levels Min/Max inventory levels Reorder points Lead time forecasting Seasonal purchasing trends Monitor stock movement and purchasing trends to avoid stockouts and overstock situations. Analyze inventory reports and sales history to make informed purchasing decisions. Maintain accurate product costs, pricing structures, and margin expectations. Work to maximize profitability while maintaining competitive pricing. Monitor backorders, discontinued items, vendor shortages, and shipping delays. Identify substitute products when necessary and communicate alternatives to sales staff and customers. Ensure inventory records and purchasing information remain accurate within company software systems. Assist in developing purchasing procedures and inventory standards for the company. Vendor & Supplier Relations Build and maintain strong professional relationships with vendors and suppliers. Communicate regularly with vendor representatives regarding: Product availability Pricing changes Promotions Freight programs Vendor policies Supply chain issues Negotiate pricing, freight terms, and purchasing opportunities when applicable. Evaluate vendor performance and reliability. Research and establish relationships with new vendors when beneficial to the company. Team Leadership & Department Management Supervise and assist purchasing department employees. Delegate tasks and ensure purchasing workflows are completed efficiently and accurately. Train employees on purchasing procedures, inventory systems, and vendor processes. Help create a productive, organized, and team-oriented department environment. Work closely with management to improve departmental efficiency and company operations. Communication & Interdepartmental Coordination Maintain strong communication with: Sales staff Department managers Warehouse personnel Service department Customers Vendors Provide timely updates regarding: Product availability Backorders Shipping delays Pricing changes ETA updates Product substitutions Assist sales staff with special-order products and customer-specific purchasing needs. Coordinate with department heads to anticipate purchasing needs and inventory demands. Technology & Systems Responsibilities Utilize company purchasing and inventory management software throughout the day. Maintain strong computer proficiency and adaptability with technology systems. Use Microsoft Office applications, email systems, spreadsheets, and vendor portals effectively. Generate and review inventory reports, purchasing reports, and pricing analysis. Quickly learn new software systems and vendor ordering platforms as needed. Required Skills & Qualifications Exceptional organizational skills Strong attention to detail Excellent verbal and written communication skills Strong mathematical and analytical abilities Critical thinking and problem-solving skills Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment Strong time management and prioritization skills High level of computer and technology proficiency Ability to lead and manage a team effectively Preferred Qualifications Previous purchasing or inventory management experience Retail purchasing experience preferred Management or supervisory experience preferred Experience working with multiple vendors and supplier systems Understanding of inventory control practices and margin management Experience with ERP, inventory, or purchasing software systems Work Environment & Expectations Full-time, in-office position Daily computer and phone usage required Fast-paced environment with frequent multitasking Requires strong communication and coordination with multiple departments Must maintain professionalism with vendors, employees, and customers at all times Key Characteristics for Success The ideal Purchasing Manager will be: Extremely organized Dependable and self-motivated Technology-oriented A strong communicator Detail-focused Able to lead by example Comfortable making decisions independently Capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously Team-oriented while maintaining accountability and structure within the department
Pay:
$14.00 - $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Application Question(s): How do you hold employees accountable while maintaining a positive work environment? Have you ever managed inventory for a retail store, warehouse, or distribution environment? If so, approximately how many SKUs or vendors were involved? This position requires managing orders from multiple vendors daily while maintaining inventory accuracy. How do you stay organized throughout the day? How comfortable are you working on a computer for the majority of the workday? Describe a time when an inventory mistake or ordering issue occurred. How did you resolve it?
Work Location:
In person