Supply Chain Specialist

Job description

Job Description Job Description SUMMARY: The Supply Chain Specialist is responsible for managing purchasing, inventory, and supplier performance for assigned commodities with increasing autonomy and accountability. This role focuses on optimizing inventory levels, improving supplier performance, and driving measurable outcomes across cost, service, and working capital. $76,000 - $99,600 annually, DOE

The Supply Chain Specialist contributes to commodity performance by independently managing sourcing, planning, and supplier activities while applying data, analytics, and market insights to support business objectives

PURPOSE: Own end-to-end performance of assigned commodities by managing purchasing, inventory, and supplier activities that deliver measurable value across cost, inventory optimization, supplier performance, and service execution.

This role is accountable from source pay performance outcomes while operating in a collaborative environment where supplier selection may be shared, but ownership of commodity performance remains with the Buyer II.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

COMMODITY OWNERSHIP Owns assigned SKUs, suppliers, and purchasing activity within assigned commodities

Maintains accountability for cost, inventory, service, and supplier performance outcomes

Makes decisions related to product mix, stocking strategy, and supplier utilization

Proactively manages trade-offs between cost, service, and working capital

Performance Expectations:

Demonstrates clear accountability for results-not activities

Resolves issues independently with minimal escalation

Takes ownership of commodity performance and outcomes

STRATEGIC SOURCING & COST MANAGEMENT Develops and executes sourcing activities aligned with company objectives

Leads supplier discussions and negotiations within assigned scope

Identifies and executes cost reduction and value improvement opportunities

Applies understanding of supplier cost drivers (materials, labor, freight)

Performance Expectations: Actively identifies cost savings opportunities

Applies Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index (PPI) insights to decisions

Begins influencing supplier pricing and terms

INVENTORY & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT Owns inventory performance including turns, excess, stockouts, and availability

Executes replenishment strategies based on demand and service needs

Partners with planning functions on Material Requirements Planning (MRP) inputs while retaining accountability

Drives improvements in inventory positioning and working capital efficiency

Performance Expectations:

Balances service levels with inventory and working capital

Drives improvement in inventory turns and excess reduction

Anticipates and mitigates supply risks

SUPPLIER PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Monitors and manages supplier performance including delivery, responsiveness, and quality

Holds suppliers accountable for On-Time In-Full (OTIF), lead time, and service expectations

Builds and maintains professional, performance-focused supplier relationships

Performance Expectations:

Drives Improvement in supplier performance

Strengthens supplier relationships through accountability and communication

Supports consistent and reliable supplier execution

MARKET & ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCE Maintains knowledge of commodity markets, supply/demand dynamics and cost drivers

Applies BLS/PPI and market trends to sourcing and inventory decisions

Aligns purchasing decisions with market conditions and customer demand

Performance Expectations:

Demonstrates understanding of market dynamics

Uses data and insights to support decisions

Begins anticipating market trends and risks

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP Partners with Sales, Operations, Finance and internal teams to align supply chain decisions

Influences product, service levels, and inventory strategies

Supports Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) processes

Performance Expectations:

Collaborates effectively across functions

Influences decisions impacting service and performance

Aligns actions with customer and business needs

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT / FORCE MULTIPLIER Identifies improvements in cost, service, working capital, and processes

Supports adoption of new tools, systems, and best practices

Contributes ideas to improve supply chain performance

Performance Expectations:

Drives continuous improvement initiatives

Identifies value creation opportunities

Contributes to a proactive and high-performance culture

KEY PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS

Performance in this role is measured through contribution to the following areas:Cost management and purchasing decisions aligned with company objectives

Inventory performance including availability, inventory turns, and reduction of excess

Supplier performance including delivery, responsiveness, and issue resolution

Service and product availability to support branch and customer needs

Data and system integrity, including accuracy of item and planning data

Process execution with consistency, discipline, and adherence to standards

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE Consistent delivery of KPI targets

Measurable improvements in cost, inventory, and service

Recognized ownership of assigned commodities

Proactive, solutions-oriented approach

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's preferred (Business, Supply Chain, Finance or related field. Expertise managing suppliers and inventory performance. Minimum of 4-7 years of experience in supply chain or purchasing inventory management, operations, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience using automated purchasing, ERP, or inventory management systems to manage purchasing and inventory activities

Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with vendors, branches, and cross-functional teams

Demonstrated ability to independently manage purchasing decisions, inventory performance, and supplier relationships

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and support decision-making

Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office with strong proficiency in Excel (e.g., pivot tables, data analysis)

Working knowledge of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) concepts and inventory planning processes

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment

Problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement solutions with minimal supervision

Understanding of supplier cost drivers (materials, labor, freight) and their impact on purchasing decisions

Demonstrated ability to balance cost, service, and inventory considerations to achieve business objectives

Ability to influence outcomes through collaboration with cross-functional partners

Demonstrates accountability and ownership of assigned commodities and performance outcomes

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Ability to pass background check and drug screen

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and vendors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form.

COMPUTER SKILLS: Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and business operating software purchasing systems.

ATTENDANCE DEMANDS: The attendance demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Attendance is required Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. or within normal business hours as established by the supervisor. Employee may be required to work overtime, and occasional weekends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: . click apply for full job details

Worksite address

denver, CO, 80223, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.