Purchasing Specialist

Colours, Inc.; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Colours, Inc. in Sioux Falls, SD is seeking a Purchasing Specialist to support inventory management and cost-effective procurement across multiple locations.

You will analyze demand, coordinate with suppliers, and maintain stock levels while minimizing excess and back orders. The ideal candidate has a degree in business or related field, experience in purchasing or ERP systems, and strong Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, or related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory management, supply chain, or a related field preferred.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and ERP/Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain inventory levels to ensure distribution centers are stocked while minimizing excess.
• Analyze purchasing data, sales trends, and product usage to forecast demand and stock needs.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, terms, and agreements to support cost-effective sourcing.
• Coordinate with Operations, Sales, and Warehouse to align purchasing decisions with business needs.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and vendor communications.

Skills

Purchasing

Inventory management

Data analysis

ERP systems

Excel

Negotiation

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, or related field

Tools

Comcept ERP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

Colours, Inc. is a leading distributor of automotive and industrial coatings, providing high-quality products, training, and service to customers across the region. We pride ourselves on reliable delivery, technical expertise, and a commitment to helping our customers succeed.

Position Summary:

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for supporting the organization’s purchasing and inventory needs by maintaining appropriate stock levels, analyzing demand and sales trends, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely and cost-effective product availability. This position works closely with Operations, Sales, Warehouse, and other departments to manage purchasing activities, minimize excess inventory, address supply issues, and maintain strong vendor relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain appropriate inventory levels to ensure distribution centers are properly stocked while minimizing excess inventory.
• Analyze purchasing data, sales trends, and product usage to forecast demand and make appropriate stocking decisions.
• Add, adjust, or remove stocking items based on demand, usage trends, and changing business needs.
• Identify overstocked, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory and coordinate vendor returns or other appropriate solutions.
• Monitor back orders and work with suppliers to minimize delays and supply disruptions.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, terms, and agreements to support competitive costs and business objectives.
• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships and address concerns related to pricing, quality, availability, or delivery.
• Collaborate with Operations, Sales, and Warehouse teams to align purchasing decisions with business and customer needs.
• Monitor supplier performance and identify opportunities to improve service, cost, and overall purchasing effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, inventory information, and related documentation.

Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory management, supply chain, or a related field preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate sales, purchasing, and inventory data.
• Experience working with inventory, purchasing, or ERP systems; experience with Comcept preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-location environment.

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret purchasing, inventory, and sales trends and make informed decisions.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on inventory accuracy, cost control, and timely purchasing.
• Effective negotiation and vendor relationship management skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage priorities, anticipate needs, and respond to changing business demands.