Employee-Owned Purchasing & Inventory Specialist

Cogent; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Ownership (ESOP)

401(k) with Company Match

Profit Sharing Bonuses

Medical, Dental, Vision & Life보험

Generous PTO & Holidays

Volunteer Time Off

Career Development & Advancement

Culture of Innovation, Collaboration &

On-site work in Omaha

Job summary

Central States Group, A Cogent Company, Omaha, NE, seeks aPurchasing Agent to manage purchasing and inventory across multiple locations. You will own supplier relationships, analyze usage and lead times, and ensure timely availability of products in a growing, 100% employee-owned organization.

Responsibilities include ERP-based purchasing, data analysis, and process improvements to boost efficiency. This is a full-time, on-site role with competitive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in purchasing, procurement, inventory, or related field.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience independently managing purchasing activities and coordinating with suppliers.
• Working knowledge of inventory replenishment, supplier lead times, purchasing controls, and inventory turnover.
• Experience using ERP or computerized purchasing systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel to analyze purchasing and inventory data.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-department collaboration.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing and inventory replenishment for assigned suppliers and product categories across locations.
• Analyze inventory levels, usage, demand trends, and lead times to inform purchasing decisions.
• Create, review, and manage purchase orders with pricing, quantities, and delivery expectations.
• Monitor open orders, track supplier commitments, and expedite materials when needed.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess, obsolete, and slow-moving stock.
• Review ERP replenishment controls within established guidelines.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and serve as primary contact for purchasing activities.
• Monitor supplier performance including pricing, delivery reliability, lead times, and order accuracy.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and improved purchasing terms.
• Collaborate with sales, warehouse operations, and other departments to address product availability.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Inventory management

Excel proficiency

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business / Supply Chain

Tools

Epicor Prophet 21 (P21)

Job description

Central States Group, A Cogent Company, Omaha, NE, seeks aPurchasing Agent to manage purchasing and inventory across multiple locations. You will own supplier relationships, analyze usage and lead times, and ensure timely availability of products in a growing, 100% employee-owned organization.

Responsibilities include ERP-based purchasing, data analysis, and process improvements to boost efficiency. This is a full-time, on-site role with competitive benefits and growth opportunities.