Purchasing / Merchandising Position - Portland OR

Summary:

Contribute to the operational effectiveness of the Portland Division by managing inventory, purchasing products, sourcing new opportunities, supporting supplier relationships, and responding to customer and sales inquiries. This position plays a critical role in ensuring product availability, maintaining inventory accuracy, supporting sales growth, and delivering exceptional customer service.

The Purchasing/Merchandiser serves as a key liaison among suppliers, operations, account managers, and customers to ensure that inventory levels, pricing, claims, and product solutions meet company objectives.

Position is Monday - Friday Normal Business Hours

Essential Functions

• Consistent and reliable attendance.
• Place and monitor purchase orders to maintain appropriate inventory levels and meet customer demand.
• Analyze inventory trends, usage patterns, lead times, and supplier performance.
• Source new products, custom items, and alternative solutions to meet customer requirements.
• Obtain pricing, quotes, and product information from suppliers.
• Maintain accurate item master records, product descriptions, and purchasing data.
• Monitor stock availability and collaborate with other WCP divisions to optimize inventory investments.
• Process supplier claims, returns, shortage issues, and defective merchandise in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with Operations to ensure efficient receiving, inventory reconciliation, and order fulfillment.
• Support supplier negotiations and cost-saving initiatives.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to reduce inventory carrying costs while maintaining service levels.
• Support product promotions, merchandising strategies, and inventory initiatives.

. Other Responsibilities

• Respond to product inquiries from Account Managers and customers.
• Assist with customer service escalations involving product availability, pricing, substitutions, and delivery issues.
• Support strategic customer inventory management programs.
• Research alternative products and supply chain solutions when shortages occur.
• Participate in inventory reviews, cycle count investigations, and vendor performance evaluations.
• Perform other duties as assigned

 Qualifications

• Minimum two years of purchasing, procurement, merchandising, inventory management, or supply chain experience.
• Distribution industry experience strongly preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and business systems experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.