Merchandiser

Ernest; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 68,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)

Career growth opportunities

Leadership that values your voice

Job summary

Ernest seeks a Merchandiser to drive purchasing strategy, vendor partnerships, and competitive pricing. This on-site Houston role emphasizes cost control, product availability, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver value to customers and the business.

You will manage supplier relationships, cost analyses, and inventory, balancing ownership with teamwork while leveraging SAP/ERP tools to optimize pricing and reporting. This is a full-time, on-site position with strong benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in cost savings and high‑volume PO’s.
• Experience negotiating with vendors and managing supplier relationships with professionalism and integrity
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a focus on cost efficiency and continuous improvement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and comfort working in an ERP system (SAP experience a plus)
• Excellent planning, time management, and organizational skills
• Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments
• A proactive mindset and desire to contribute to a team‑focused, people‑first environment

Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate new products based on quality, cost, and market trends
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors to negotiate pricing, lead times, and product availability
• Monitor market conditions, price fluctuations, and product changes to ensure optimal buying decisions
• Manage inventory across Stock and JIT categories, aligning with company targets and supply needs
• Establish target selling prices for made-to-order and non-stock merchandise in coordination with internal stakeholders
• Set and update part numbers, costs, and pricing using SAP (or ERP platform) with accuracy
• Ensure all reporting and part number data is accurate, current, and aligned with purchasing activity
• Maintain and update product costing after vendor verification
• Collaborate closely with internal teams including Sales, Operations, and Accounting
• Process merchandise control requests and documentation in a timely and organized manner
• Keep clear records of supplier quotes, correspondence, cost changes, and lead time updates
• Maintain open communication with suppliers regarding lead times and production statusProvide insight and recommendations to improve departmental systems, procedures, and outcomes

Skills

Vendor relationships

Cost savings

Analytical skills

Planning / time management

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Houston, TX| Full-Time | On-Site
Competitive Base | Benefits | Growth-Oriented Culture

Pay range: $68k-$75k Doe

Be the Buyer Behind the Brand

At Ernest, our merchandisers (we call them merchandisers because, well, they do a lot more than just purchase) help shape the partnerships, pricing, and performance that drive our business forward. We’re looking for a Merchandiser to join our team, where you’ll play a vital role in ensuring our customers receive quality solutions, competitive pricing, and exceptional service.

This is a full-time, on-site position for someone who’s skilled at building vendor relationships, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and managing product lines with a high degree of ownership and attention to detail. If you're organized, collaborative, and enjoy working cross-functionally to deliver results — this could be your next step.

What You’ll Do

• Source and evaluate new products based on quality, cost, and market trends
• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with vendors to negotiate pricing, lead times, and product availability
• Monitor market conditions, price fluctuations, and product changes to ensure optimal buying decisions
• Manage inventory across Stock and Just-in-Time (JIT) categories, aligning with company targets and supply needs
• Establish target selling prices for made-to-order and non-stock merchandise in coordination with internal stakeholders
• Set and update part numbers, costs, and pricing using SAP (or ERP platform) with accuracy
• Ensure all reporting and part number data is accurate, current, and aligned with purchasing activity
• Maintain and update product costing after vendor verification
• Collaborate closely with internal teams including Sales, Operations, and Accounting
• Process merchandise control requests and documentation in a timely and organized manner
• Keep clear records of supplier quotes, correspondence, cost changes, and lead time updates
• Maintain open communication with suppliers regarding lead times and production statusProvide insight and recommendations to improve departmental systems, procedures, and outcomes

What Sets You Apart

• Minimum of 2 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in a capacity that focuses on cost savings and high volume PO’s.
• Experience negotiating with vendors and managing supplier relationships with professionalism and integrity
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on cost efficiency and continuous improvement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and comfort working in an ERP system (SAP experience a plus)
• Excellent planning, time management, and organizational skills
• Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments
• A proactive mindset and desire to contribute to a team-focused, people-first environment

Why Join Ernest?

At Ernest, we believe your success powers our collective growth. We’ve spent over 79 years building a culture centered on appreciation, collaboration, and doing right by our people. You’ll join a team that values your ideas, supports your development, and gives you room to grow.

We offer:

• Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
• A culture that invests in its people and promotes long-term career growth
• Leadership that values your voice and recognizes your impact

Location: On-Site

We believe in the value of in-person connection, especially for a collaborative, cross-functional role like this.

Ernest. Moving Packaging Forward. By Putting People First.

Ernest is a nationwide company, but did you know that our humble roots started in a Los Angeles garage? Brothers Ernie and Charles Wilson founded the company in 1946 with a dedication to customized service. Even after decades of delivering great packaging to our customers, that commitment has never changed. We always find the best solution to fit our customers’ needs, even if we have to invent it!