PURCHASING MANAGER

Purchasing Manager – Welding Supply Industry

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Industry: Welding Supply / Industrial Distribution

Position Summary

VERN LEWIS WELDING SUPPLY INC. is seeking fora highly motivated, results-driven Purchasing Manager to strategically manage the procurement of all inventories and supplies for our multi-branch operations, based out of our Phoenix, AZ location. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial purchasing, vendor relationship management, cost negotiation, and inventory planning, preferably within the industrial supply or welding/gas distribution sector.

If you have proven expertise in optimizing inventory levels, securing favorable terms, reducing landed costs, and ensuring product availability to meet customer demand, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

Vendor & Contract Management:

• Develop, negotiate, and manage relationships with all key suppliers, vendors, and freight carriers to secure the best pricing, terms, and delivery schedules.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to expand product offerings and mitigate supply chain risk.
• Manage vendor performance, addressing quality issues, shipping discrepancies, and invoicing errors promptly.

Procurement & Inventory Planning:

• Oversee the entire purchasing cycle from requisition to payment, ensuring proper documentation and internal controls are maintained.
• Strategically plan and execute purchase orders based on demand, store required support ,sales forecasts, inventory targets, lead times, and economic order quantity (EOQ) analysis.
• Monitor and optimize inventory levels across all branches to minimize carrying costs while maximizing product availability and fill rates.
• Work closely with the Sales and Warehouse teams to manage product transitions, discontinue slow-moving items, and resolve stock discrepancies.

Cost Control & Reporting:

• Drive continuous improvement in cost reduction initiatives and lead-time optimization.
• Track key purchasing metrics and generate regular reports on savings achieved, inventory turns, vendor performance, and purchasing trends for senior management.
• Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Experience: Proven successful experience as a Purchasing Manager, Buyer, or equivalent supply chain role (minimum 3-5 years preferred), managing inventory in a distribution or industrial environment.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of industrial products, supply chain logistics, and ERP/MRP systems is essential. Familiarity with welding equipment, gases, and safety supplies is a strong asset.
• Negotiation & Analytics: Exceptional negotiation skills and strong analytical capabilities for inventory forecasting and cost modeling.
• Business Acumen: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive problem-solving approach.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with vendors and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Other: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience utilizing a Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for purchasing and inventory functions.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to hnobre@vernlewis.com

Pay: $62,641.29 - $75,438.97 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person