Purchasing Specialist

SouthernCarlson, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Job summary

SouthernCarlson, Inc. in Phoenix, AZ is seeking a Purchasing Specialist to manage purchasing and inventory for assigned brands. You will execute purchase activities, ensure cost efficiencies, and maintain accurate orders and stock levels.

The role requires 5+ years in purchasing for distribution, strong numerical and analytical skills, and proficiency with MS Office. Collaboration with suppliers and merchandising support are part of the responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Associated degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years purchasing experience in a distribution environment.
• Strong numeracy and analytical capabilities required.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize duties effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain supplier relationships.
• Proficiency with basic technology and online tools.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with Excel expertise.

Responsibilities

• Research and issue purchase orders for assigned brands and divisions to optimize cost.
• Track lead times, deliveries, and costs to ensure order accuracy.
• Prepare or review requisitions and replenish inventory as needed.
• Maintain inventory levels and stocking strategies.
• Coordinate real-time product delivery with distribution centers and stores.
• Produce purchasing reports and conduct spend analysis.
• Collaborate with suppliers to address delivery and quality issues.
• Support merchandising with promotions, stock requests, and vendor communications.
• Investigate discrepancies and variances in inventory and orders.

Skills

5+ years experience

Mathematical skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Verbal and written communication

Relationship building

Technology tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint,Out

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Job Description

Posted Friday, August 14, 2026 at 5:00 AM

The vision of SouthernCarlson is to develop strong business relationships so we understand our customers' individual needs and provide the best possible service to improve our and their profitability.

Purchasing Specialist

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Schedule: Monday – Friday | Full-Time
Compensation: Based on experience

About Us

SouthernCarlson is a leading distributor of the most recognized brands of construction and packaging tools, fasteners, jobsite supplies, and expert service across North America. Since 1947, we’ve built our foundation on service, trust, and a commitment to providing professional-grade solutions that keep our customers running strong.

We offer the broadest selection of high-quality products from top suppliers in the industry—backed by tool repair services, reliable expertise, and a passion for helping contractors, builders, and manufacturers succeed.

At SouthernCarlson, Our Promise Means More™—because how we serve matters just as much as what we deliver.

Our Core Values – OUR PROMISE MEANS MORE™

Respect – We build relationships on trust, collaboration, and kindness while taking the time to learn, grow, and celebrate wins together.

Integrity – We go above and beyond to help customers and employees and do what’s right to resolve issues.

Teamwork – We support and encourage one another while working together to deliver a top-notch customer experience.

Family Environment – We’re a nationwide company with a local, family-like feel at every branch.

Position Overview

The Purchasing Specialistparticipatesin all aspects ofpurchasingand inventory control for assigned brands and divisions.This roleis responsible forexecuting purchaseactivities,ensuring thatbest decisions are made to match departmental & organizationalobjectivesand goals.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Research and issue general merchandise purchase orders for assigned brands and divisions whileensuring the best costefficienciesat all times.
• Track andmaintainpurchase orders by confirming lead times, deliverydates,and current cost ensuring order accuracy.
• Prepare and/or review purchase requisitions.
• Review order replenishment reports and replenish inventory.
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure stocking levels aremaintainedand updated.
• Coordinatereal-timeproduct delivery status with distribution centers and stores.
• Prepare andmaintainpurchasing reports including but not limited to spend analysis, over and under stocked items & vendor fill rates and lead times.
• Work closely with key suppliers to support a strong supply chain andmaintainsuccessful relationships while ensuring delivery and quality issues areresolved timely.
• Assistmerchandising team with promotions, new stockingrequests, updated price sheets, and vendor communications.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and order variances.
• Adhere topurchasingprocesses and procedures.
• Handle month end activities related to inventory andpurchasing.
• Support department and other key stakeholders with purchasing and inventory initiatives.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

You May Be a Good Fit If You Have:

• Associatedegreeor equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 or more years of related experiencepurchasingforadistribution organization.
• Strong mathematicaland analyticalskills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize accordingly.
• Skilledin communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability toestablishand maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledgeofthe ability toutilizebasic technology and online tools.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel,PowerPointand Outlookwith an intermediate to advancedskill level In Excel.

Why You’ll Love It Here

Collaborative Family Culture – Team-first environment built on trust and respect

Career Growth Opportunities – We promote from within and support long-term success

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off and Holidays

All offers are contingent on a successful background check and drug screening.

SouthernCarlson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

SouthernCarlson, Inc. is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.