Purchasing Agent

Johnstone Supply, North Americas leading wholesale distributor of HVACR equipment, parts, and supplies has a great opportunity for an Purchasing Agent to join our team. Over the last seven decades Johnstone has grown into the industry leader with over 450 distributor branches and 6 distribution centers throughout North America resulting in over $3 billion in annual sales. We work with some of the largest companies in the world, including Daikin/Goodman, Honeywell, Emerson, Johnson Controls, Google and Fujitsu, to provide contractors with world class products, technical expertise and quality service.

As a member of the Branch Operations Team, the Purchasing Agent is responsible for ensuring product availability to meet customer demand within company financial and service level requirements by assisting with locally-stocked supplier and product management, creating forecasts and purchase orders, and managing product lifecycle activities. This position will eventually be seated at our Grand Prairie, TX office location, but will be on a remote schedule until this location is successfully set up.  

Position responsibilities:

• Creates accurate inventory forecasts and plans, in conjunction with the Sales and Management teams, to meet customer needs, as well as company fill rate and turns goals.   Seeks optimal balance between total product costs/terms, lead time, order minimums, standard packs and other factors.  Analyzes special buy opportunities for overall return on investment, including opportunity and carrying costs. 
• Reviews forecasts, determines delivery dates and places purchase orders in a timely manner.  
• Assures that ordering for flyers, price changes, preseason and promotional programs are completed according to schedules and vendor terms.  
• Communicates with internal stakeholders regarding delivery, backorders, shortages, price changes, and supplier issues.
• Coordinates with branch operations in handling special buys and large buys by establishing on-going communication on issues such as space requirements, delivery details, and special handling instructions.
• Initiates and coordinates inter-store transfers to re-balance inventory and address urgent inventory issues.  
• Trouble shoots backorder problems and expedites orders as necessary.  Communicates exceptions to store staff and management. 
• Participates in locally-stocked supplier selection and review.    May negotiate terms and pricing.   Sets up and maintains locally-stocked product data. 
• Prevents and reduces overstock conditions, slow-moving and obsolete inventory.   Manages product return processes.  
• Troubleshoots invoicing and receiving discrepancy issues. 

Position requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business or related field; 5-7 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of forecasting theories, inventory principles, and distribution operations; demonstrated competency in applying principles to inventory, pricing, and distribution scenarios.
• Knowledge of business math (e.g. arithmetic, algebra, ratio, margin, interest computations) and demonstrated competency in applying mathematical principles to analyze pricing, inventory and distribution scenarios.
• Knowledge of purchasing-related accounting and financial reporting principles and practices.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to us company software to manage inventory levels and purchasing activities.   Eclipse, preferred.
• Problem-solving skills: listening to, interpreting, and meeting the needs of others; diagnosing and rectifying problems.
• Ability to apply analytical skills and ability to use data and business knowledge to solve problems
• Ability to manage time in a deadline driven environment.
• Ability to multitask and skill in prioritizing work.
• Ability to use systems for organizing and maintaining information.
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy in dealing with others.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to others.
• Demonstrated skill in developing and maintaining relationships.

Johnstone Supply is strongly interested in hiring a great candidate that exhibits work behaviors & values that are conducive to building and maintaining a strong and effective company culture. These behaviors include:

• Customer Focused: Taking the perspective of who we serve into everything we do, anticipating their needs, and responding quickly.
• Own It: Focus on the goal and show initiative, with a sense of urgency and pride in doing things right the first time.
• One Team: We win together, with everyone playing their role and leveraging the strengths of the team.
• Innovate: Embracing and creating positive change to continuously improve and developing competitive, valuable solutions.
• Engage: Seek out and share information to make sure everyone is fully informed and aware of what they need to know to succeed.

Johnstone offers a competitive wage and benefits that include medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, 401(k) with company match, and PTO after 90 days. Our commitment to continuous improvement & investment in our people is only matched by our commitment to superior customer experience. If you are ready to take the next step in your career, apply now.

Visit our website https://www.johnstonesupply.com/our-history for more information about our growing company.

EOE