Parts Research Analyst - Ocean, NJ

Sonepar USA Inc; New Jersey; On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plans

Dental & vision

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

401(k) retirement savings with company

Professional and personal development

Shareholder opportunity

Short- and long-term disability

Life insurance for dependents

Wellness program

Gym reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Cooper Electric Supply, LLC, a part of the Sonepar family, seeks a data-driven Parts Research Specialist in Ocean, NJ. You will research part numbers, support order entries, and maintain catalog records to ensure accurate pricing and availability.

With 2+ years in parts research or catalog management, you will use Excel and ERP/PIM/CRM systems, communicating clearly with Purchasing, Inventory, Sales, and Vendors to resolve identifications and expedite orders.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (associate's degree preferred).
• 2+ years of experience in parts research, parts counter/service advising, inventory control, catalog management, or a related role.
• Working knowledge of OEM/aftermarket parts catalogs and common parts terminology.
• Proficiency with Excel (filters, lookups, pivot tables) and comfort working in ERP/PIM/CRM systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret technical specifications, diagrams, and application notes.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to prioritize multiple requests, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy under time constraints.

Responsibilities

• Research part numbers using OEM catalogs, supplier portals, ERP/PIM systems, and industry databases to identify correct parts and alternates.
• Support order entry, reconciliation of invoice discrepancies, receiving discrepancies, freight entry and month end reporting.
• Validate fitment and application data and document sources for auditability.
• Maintain interchange, supersession, and cross-reference mappings; reconcile duplicates and resolve data conflicts.
• Create estimates using parts, labor, and other associated fees to send to customers for approval.
• Create and update catalog records, attributes, and product content (descriptions, dimensions, notes, images references when available) according to data standards.
• Analyze returns, warranty claims, and customer/service feedback to identify root causes related to incorrect part selection or catalog errors.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Inventory, Sales/Customer Service, Service/Operations, and vendors to resolve part identification issues and expedite critical orders.
• Support pricing and availability inquiries by confirming correct part numbers and approved substitutions.
• Develop and maintain research documentation, SOPs, and knowledge-base articles; train teammates on tools and research methods as needed.
• Run periodic data quality checks (completeness, accuracy, duplication) and recommend process improvements to reduce errors and improve cycle time.
• Comply with company policies, safety requirements, and data governance standards.

Skills

Parts research

Catalog management

Excel proficiency

ERP/PIM/CRM experience

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Prioritization/Deadlines

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree preferred

Tools

Excel

ERP/PIM/CRM systems

Job description

There's a Place for You at Cooper Electric Supply, LLC.

A career at Cooper Electric Supply, LLC is more than a job. You're investing in a brighter, more sustainable future together and joining a team that makes a real difference for our customers. Cooper Electric Supply, LLC offers electrical products and services to contractors. If it helps bring electricity to an office, home, factory or other building - you can find it here. We operate throughout the northeast and are part of the Sonepar group, the world's #1 electrical distributor with over 45,000 associates around the globe.

Being "Powered by Difference" means we respect and value diverse perspectives. Cooper Electric Supply, LLC we offer a supportive culture and great benefits, and as part of the larger Sonepar group, we can offer exciting opportunities to grow your career.

Key Responsibilities

• Research part numbers using OEM catalogs, supplier portals, ERP/PIM systems, and industry databases to identify correct parts and alternates.
• Support order entry, reconciliation of invoice discrepancies, receiving discrepancies, freight entry and month end reporting
• Validate fitment and application data and document sources for auditability.
• Maintain interchange, supersession, and cross-reference mappings; reconcile duplicates and resolve data conflicts.
• Create estimates using parts, labor, and other associated fees to send to customers for approval.
• Create and update catalog records, attributes, and product content (descriptions, dimensions, notes, images references when available) according to data standards.
• Analyze returns, warranty claims, and customer/service feedback to identify root causes related to incorrect part selection or catalog errors.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Inventory, Sales/Customer Service, Service/Operations, and vendors to resolve part identification issues and expedite critical orders.
• Support pricing and availability inquiries by confirming correct part numbers and approved substitutions.
• Develop and maintain research documentation, SOPs, and knowledge-base articles; train teammates on tools and research methods as needed.
• Run periodic data quality checks (completeness, accuracy, duplication) and recommend process improvements to reduce errors and improve cycle time.
• Comply with company policies, safety requirements, and data governance standards.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (associate's degree preferred).
• 2+ years of experience in parts research, parts counter/service advising, inventory control, catalog management, or a related role.
• Working knowledge of OEM/aftermarket parts catalogs and common parts terminology.
• Proficiency with Excel (filters, lookups, pivot tables) and comfort working in ERP/PIM/CRM systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret technical specifications, diagrams, and application notes.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to prioritize multiple requests, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy under time constraints.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with vehicle/equipment identification methods (e.g., VIN decoding) and fitment rules.
• Familiarity with ACES/PIES, e-commerce catalog standards, or master data management practices.
• Prior experience working with supplier EDI/portals and managing supersessions/interchanges at scale.
• Basic SQL or BI/reporting experience for data validation and trend analysis.
• Knowledge of lean/process improvement methods (e.g., root cause analysis, 5 Whys).

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed in an office or parts counter environment with frequent computer use. May require occasional time in a warehouse/shop setting and interaction with inventory. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods, communicate effectively, and occasionally lift/move items up to 25 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.

Location - Ocean, NJ

Schedule - Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

Range - $25 - $30/hr based off of experience

What We Offer You

We offer great family-friendly benefits to full-time associates:

• Healthcare plans
• Dental & vision
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) retirement savings with company match
• Professional and personal development programs

• Opportunity to become a shareholder
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
• Employer-paid life insurance for spouse and dependents
• Robust wellness program
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

We're proud to be a military-friendly company, and our many employee resource groups (ERGs) help you make connections and feel supported.

Learn More About Us

Get to know us on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram and learn how we're "Powering Progress for Future Generations."

Learn more at https://www.cooper-electric.com/

Cooper Electric Supply, LLC is part of the Sonepar family of brands: https://www.soneparusa.com/us-en/about-us

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

Sonepar and our family of brands are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please call 843-745-2420 or email [e-mail].

EEO is the Law

Applicants and employees are protected under Federal law from discrimination. To learn more, Click here.

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision

Sonepar follows Executive Order 11246, including the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. To learn more, Click here.