Purchasing Lead: Vendor Relations & Inventory Optimization

Lonestar Electric Supply Partners; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

401(k) Match

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

Lonestar Industrial Supply is seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Lead to support purchasing operations, vendor coordination, and inventory management across the organization. This role ensures purchase orders are processed accurately, vendor deliveries stay on schedule, and pricing files are maintained with rebates and returns monitored.

You will work closely with vendors, branch teams, and internal departments to ensure product availability while supporting efficient procurement practices and

Qualifications

• Experience in purchasing, procurement support, vendor coordination, or distribution operations.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with vendors and internal teams.
• Familiarity with freight coordination and LTL shipping processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP purchasing systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to review data and identify purchasing opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all purchase orders are acknowledged, confirmed, and delivered on time.
• Track backorders, shortages, and delays while proactively communicating updates to internal teams.
• Maintain daily communication with vendors regarding shipping schedules, lead times, and order status.
• Resolve discrepancies related to pricing, quantities, documentation, or shipment issues.
• Support purchasing operations by assisting with day-to-day buying requirements and replenishment needs.
• Review inventory levels, usage trends, and reorder points to help prevent stockouts or excess inventory.
• Prepare and review purchase orders to ensure accuracy in pricing, product details, and terms.
• Support branch managers and internal teams with product sourcing, availability, and purchasing questions.
• Maintain and update vendor price files to ensure accurate costs, multipliers, and product updates.
• Verify vendor cost changes are entered correctly before orders are placed.
• Compare vendor pricing for high-volume or commodity items to maintain competitive purchasing practices.
• Track vendor rebate programs and ensure compliance with program requirements and reporting deadlines.
• Maintain documentation of rebate tiers, program eligibility, and vendor targets while communicating status updates to leadership.
• Coordinate vendor returns (RMA) including return requests, shipment coordination, and vendor approvals.
• Track return shipments and vendor credits to ensure proper financial recovery.
• Maintain accurate records of pending returns and follow up with vendors until credits are received.
• Assist in identifying purchasing efficiencies, cost savings opportunities, and process improvements.
• Provide analysis on vendor performance including pricing, reliability, and delivery timelines.
• Support inventory optimization initiatives including slow-moving inventory reduction and improved forecasting.
• Maintain clear communication with vendors, branches, sales teams, and operations staff.
• Document purchasing updates and vendor communications in the company’s ERP system.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by leadership.

Skills

Vendor coordination

Purchasing

Forecasting

Excel

ERP systems

Negotiation

Communication

Inventory management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP purchasing systems

Job description

Lonestar Industrial Supply is seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Lead to support purchasing operations, vendor coordination, and inventory management across the organization. This role ensures purchase orders are processed accurately, vendor deliveries stay on schedule, and pricing files are maintained with rebates and returns monitored.

You will work closely with vendors, branch teams, and internal departments to ensure product availability while supporting efficient procurement practices and