Purchasing Specialist

verabradley; Roanoke (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Vera Bradley in Roanoke, IN is seeking an inventory and procurement professional to manage MRO and operational supply inventory, process purchase requisitions, maintain CMMS (eMaint) data, and resolve discrepancies among POs, receipts, and invoicing.

You will own stock levels, place spot buys, collaborate with internal customers, and drive continuous improvement within operations, including 5S & Kaizen initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain or equivalent required.
• 2–4 years in inventory management, purchasing or related field preferred.
• Familiar with CMMS software and ERP systems preferred.
• Experience with maintaining accurate inventory and procurement records.

Responsibilities

• Own MRO/GNFR stock levels, minimize downtime and OPEX.
• Review requisitions, create POs, and place spot buys as needed.
• Support sourcing: bids, vendor selections, and contracts.
• Collaborate with internal customers to avoid stockouts and control costs.
• Maintain CMMS data and ERP records; resolve PO/receiving/invoice discrepancies.
• Lead 5S/Kaizen style continuous improvement for operations.

Skills

Inventory management

Vendor coordination

Data analysis

Forecasting

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in supply chain

Tools

CMMS (eMaint)

D365 ERP

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

FUNCTION: Execute the procurement of operational and production supplies. Responsibilities include: managing daily supply counts, process purchase requisitions, maintain accuracy of operational supply inventory, maintain MRO inventory within tool crib inventory management system, and assist with resolving discrepancies between purchase orders, receipts and invoicing of finished goods or services. Ensure inventory and procurement processes, transactions, records are accurate and documented.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Note: Other duties may be assigned)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Business owner of MRO/GNFR supplies regarding stock levels, dead stock, and minimizing OPEX while partnering with internal customers to minimize downtime
• Purchases materials, equipment, supplies, and services of a specialized or complex nature in compliance with purchasing policies and procedures.
• Reviews purchase requisitions and creates purchase orders, and places spot buys as needed.
• Supports buyers to develop sources of supplies; issues bid requests, prepares bid specifications, formal bid invitations, or requests for proposals; receives and analyzes bids, quotes, and proposals; selects and awards vendors to procure requisitioned commodities; and administers contracts.
• Collaborate with internal customers and other department heads to avoid stock outs while controlling inventory costs.
• Responsible for maintaining accurate inventory levels within the tool crib as set by Engineering and Procurement managers.
• Responsible for purchasing of MRO parts inventoried within tool crib.
• Responsible for inventory control efforts of the daily operational supply with controlling inventory levels and supply cost.
• Responsible for resolving inventory, purchase order, receiving, and invoice discrepancies and implement corrective action.
• Lead inventory and continuous improvement projects relating to operations and process including 5S & Kaizen events for area.
• Responsible for performing general housekeeping requirements within tool crib to maintain organization and cleanliness.
• Responsible for creating purchase orders and maintain trade agreements for distribution center supplies, janitorial, crib, office supplies closet, and any other satellite location.
• Coordinate with suppliers regarding the status of orders to ensure on-time delivery of goods need for internal customers.
• Responsible for creating satellite locations for supplies where applicable and economical.
• Maintain accuracy of systemic inventory levels in CMMS software (eMaint)
• Coordinate service and repair requirements with outside contractor.
• Support buyers in processing purchase requisitions and vendor setups for internal customers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager as needed.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in supply chain, warehouse, or distribution environment required
• 2 to 4 years in inventory management, purchasing or related supply chain field preferred
• D365 experience preferred
• Familiar with CMMS software preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Light manufacturing/industrial experience preferred with a basic understanding of Vera Bradley manufacturing and operational process preferred.
• Strong PC skills required, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Experience with inventory management preferred.
• Experience with setting up and maintaining data within ERP systems preferred
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, which experience in cross functional teams.
• Detail oriented with ability to prioritize and manage workload
• Ability to analyze forecast information to anticipate the needs of the distribution center
• Ability to work well under pressure and strong decision making ability
• Ability to create reports and be a self to starter by seeing opportunities and acting to improve the business

ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Office/Warehouse environment-frequent to constant sitting at a desk utilizing a PC
• Able to left up to 30 lbs

We are proud of the competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefit package provided to our associates and their families. Our compensation package is designed to meet our associates today and help them plan for the future.

Health Benefits

Vera Bradley offer