Category Purchasing Specialist

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.; Waynesboro (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan with company-mé

Medical insurance with company premium

Paid time off & holidays

Career development & training

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is seeking a Category Purchasing Specialist to manage procurement and supplier relations for project needs.

You will work closely with engineering, project management, manufacturing, and construction leadership to ensure timely material availability and optimal costs. Responsibilities include leveraging Epicor ERP to process purchases, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration with field teams.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required in SCM, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum two years of procurement or supply chain experience, preferably in manufacturing, production, or construction.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and commercial skills.
• Analytical skills to interpret data, identify trends, and make recommendations.
• Knowledge of SRM principles and supplier performance.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement activities in Epicor ERP and related documentation.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with national and local suppliers.
• Source materials to meet project requirements and identify cost savings.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, shop personnel, and field teams.
• Manage returns and credits with vendors and invoicing teams.
• Coordinate material deliveries to align with project schedules.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Purchasing Manager.

Skills

Procurement exp 2+ yrs

Negotiation

Communication

Commercial acumen

Analytics

Data interpretation

Trends analysis

Vendor relations

Problem-solving

Vendor coordination

Self-motivation

Education

Associate degree in SCM/Business Administration or related field

Tools

Epicor ERP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of industrial refrigeration and process cooling solutions, delivering custom engineered systems utilizing natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂. Through a fully integrated approach encompassing engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, nationwide service, and advanced aftermarket solutions, Innovative supports customers across the food and beverage, cold storage, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing, and mission-critical infrastructure markets throughout North America and around the world.

Unlike traditional engineering firms, contractors, or equipment suppliers, Innovative performs engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, service, and ongoing customer support entirely in-house. This integrated model provides employees with the opportunity to support projects throughout the complete lifecycle, from concept and design through manufacturing, installation, startup, operation, optimization, modernization, and long-term system support.

Job Role: The Category Purchasing Specialist works closely with engineering, project management, manufacturing, and construction leadership to manage procurement processes. This role is critical for maintaining project timelines and supporting field operations with all necessary materials and equipment.

Key Duties

• Utilize the Epicor ERP system to manage procurement activities, including vendor quotations, purchase order creation, shipment tracking, receiving updates, and documentation
• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with national and local suppliers
• Source materials to support project requirements while identifying cost-savings opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, shop personnel, and field teams
• Manage returns and credits by working with vendors, invoicing, and shop/field employees
• Act as a liaison across project teams to align material deliveries with project schedules
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Purchasing Manager

Requirements

• Associate degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of procurement or supply chain experience, preferably in a manufacturing, production, or construction environment. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Strong negotiation, communication, and commercial skills.
• Demonstrated analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations.
• Knowledge of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) principles, including supplier performance measurement and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; Epicor ERP experience is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with the capability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build effective relationships with vendors, project managers, engineers, shop personnel, and field teams.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and capable of working independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive base salary, we provide a comprehensive and employee-focused benefits package designed to support your financial security, health, and work-life balance:

• Generous retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 15%
• 401(k) student loan repayment match up to 15%
• Medical insurance with 75% of employee and family premiums covered by the company
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Weekly pay
• Competitive paid vacation and holiday time
• Paid sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave
• Employee referral bonus program
• Opportunities for career advancement, professional development, training, and apprenticeship programs
• Access to employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicle rentals, and other eligible services