Procurement/Inventory Specialist

• Collect, analyze, and interpret complex purchasing and inventory data, including spend analysis, supplier performance, pricing trends, inventory turnover, and stock levels.
• Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and metrics to track key purchasing and inventory KPIs (e.g., days on hand, reorder points, obsolete stock).
• Identify variances and trends in purchasing and inventory data and recommend corrective actions or opportunities for improvement.
• Conduct customer product uses analysis to determine product benefits or needed substitutions.

• Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability while minimizing excess or obsolete inventory.
• Collaborate with warehouse and production teams to ensure accurate inventory tracking, timely replenishment, and efficient material flow.
• Support cycle counting, physical inventory audits, and reconciliation processes to maintain inventory accuracy.
• Develop and implement inventory control strategies that align with production needs and reduce carrying costs.
• Identify and facilitate the removal or substitution of non-performing materials based on usage trends and customer requirements.

• Proactively identify opportunities for cost reductions through strategic sourcing, inventory consolidation, negotiation support, and process improvements.
• Assist in the development and implementation of cost-saving initiatives and track their effectiveness.
• Conduct market research to identify new suppliers, materials, and technologies that could lead to cost efficiencies or improved product quality.

• Support the evaluation and selection of new suppliers, including conducting financial and operational assessments.
• Monitor supplier performance against agreed-upon metrics (e.g., on-time delivery, quality, cost, lead time).
• Assist in the negotiation of contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.

• Collaborate with production planning and inventory control teams to align material requirements with forecasts, lead times, and safety stock levels.
• Analyze demand forecasts and their impact on purchasing and inventory decisions.
• Identify and mitigate potential supply chain and inventory risks.
• Evaluate underperforming or obsolete materials and recommend removal, substitution, or repurposing.

• Identify and recommend improvements to purchasing and inventory management processes, systems, and tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of best practices in procurement and inventory control.
• Drive material reduction plans focus on eliminating low-margin or underutilized materials.

• Work closely with engineering, production, quality, inventory, and finance departments to ensure alignment on material specifications, delivery schedules, inventory targets, and cost goals.
• Provide procurement and inventory support for new product development initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.

• 2–3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory management, or supply chain analysis, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience with data analysis and reporting, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and draw actionable conclusions.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and negotiate effectively.
• Knowledge of purchasing, supplier relationship management, inventory control principles and best practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Jacobs & Thompson Inc