Purchasing Specialist

SouthernCarlson; Stockton, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative family culture

Career growth opportunities

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

SouthernCarlson is seeking a Purchasing Specialist in Stockton, CA to manage purchasing and inventory for assigned brands and divisions. You will execute purchase activities, monitor lead times, and coordinate with distribution centers and stores to ensure accurate deliveries.

Ideal candidates have an associate degree or equivalent, 5+ years in distribution purchasing, strong math/analytical skills, excellent organization, and advanced Microsoft Office proficiency, especially Excel.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent education/experience.
• 5+ years of related purchasing experience in a distribution environment.
• Strong mathematical and analytical abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills; relationship-building ability.
• Ability to work with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel; comfortable with basic tech/tools.
• Knowledge of purchasing processes and Excel proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Research and issue general merchandise purchase orders for assigned brands and divisions while ensuring best cost efficiencies.
• Track and maintain purchase orders by confirming lead times, delivery dates, and current cost.
• Prepare and review purchase requisitions.
• Review order replenishment reports and replenish inventory.
• Monitor inventory levels and stocking levels; update accordingly.
• Coordinate real-time product delivery status with distribution centers and stores.
• Prepare and maintain purchasing reports (spend analysis, stock status, vendor metrics).
• Work with key suppliers to support a strong supply chain and resolve delivery/quality issues.
• Assist merchandising team with promotions, stocking requests, price sheets, and vendor communications.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and variances.
• Adhere to purchasing processes and procedures.
• Handle month-end activities related to inventory and purchasing.
• Support department and stakeholders with purchasing/inventory initiatives.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Mathematical skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Communication (verbal/written)

Relationship-building

Technology literacy

Microsoft Office

Excel skills

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

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 meet 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.