Category Purchasing Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

401(k) match up to 15%

Medical insurance incl. family

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is seeking a Category Purchasing Specialist to manage procurement activities and support project timelines across manufacturing and construction.

You will collaborate with engineering, project management, and field teams to ensure timely material deliveries and supplier performance. The role requires a degree in a related field and 2+ years in procurement or supply chain, with strong negotiation and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum two years of procurement or supply chain experience 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 measurement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; Epicor ERP experience is a plus.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build effective relationships with vendors, project managers, engineers, shop personnel, and field teams.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical thinking

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Supply Chain Management 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 li>
• 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