Strategic Merchandiser & Sourcing Lead (On-Site)

Ernest; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 68,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)

Career growth opportunities

Leadership that values your voice

Job summary

Ernest seeks a Merchandiser to drive purchasing strategy, vendor partnerships, and competitive pricing. This on-site Houston role emphasizes cost control, product availability, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver value to customers and the business.

You will manage supplier relationships, cost analyses, and inventory, balancing ownership with teamwork while leveraging SAP/ERP tools to optimize pricing and reporting. This is a full-time, on-site position with strong benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in cost savings and high‑volume PO’s.
• Experience negotiating with vendors and managing supplier relationships with professionalism and integrity
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a focus on cost efficiency and continuous improvement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and comfort working in an ERP system (SAP experience a plus)
• Excellent planning, time management, and organizational skills
• Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments
• A proactive mindset and desire to contribute to a team‑focused, people‑first environment

Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate new products based on quality, cost, and market trends
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors to negotiate pricing, lead times, and product availability
• Monitor market conditions, price fluctuations, and product changes to ensure optimal buying decisions
• Manage inventory across Stock and JIT categories, aligning with company targets and supply needs
• Establish target selling prices for made-to-order and non-stock merchandise in coordination with internal stakeholders
• Set and update part numbers, costs, and pricing using SAP (or ERP platform) with accuracy
• Ensure all reporting and part number data is accurate, current, and aligned with purchasing activity
• Maintain and update product costing after vendor verification
• Collaborate closely with internal teams including Sales, Operations, and Accounting
• Process merchandise control requests and documentation in a timely and organized manner
• Keep clear records of supplier quotes, correspondence, cost changes, and lead time updates
• Maintain open communication with suppliers regarding lead times and production statusProvide insight and recommendations to improve departmental systems, procedures, and outcomes

Skills

Vendor relationships

Cost savings

Analytical skills

Planning / time management

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Ernest seeks a Merchandiser to drive purchasing strategy, vendor partnerships, and competitive pricing. This on-site Houston role emphasizes cost control, product availability, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver value to customers and the business.

You will manage supplier relationships, cost analyses, and inventory, balancing ownership with teamwork while leveraging SAP/ERP tools to optimize pricing and reporting. This is a full-time, on-site position with strong benefits.