Merchandise Purchasing Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Looking to start an exciting new career? City Electric Supply offers excellent career opportunities for people who are friendly, motivated, and passionate about providing incredible customer service.

About City Electric Supply

CES is a family-owned electrical wholesaler with the benefits of a worldwide service network and the personal service of a neighborhood store. Our "customer service first" core value has allowed us to grow continually for over 65 years while keeping our founding principle of empowering people to make local business decisions. CES now employs more than 7,400 people at over 1,000 branches world-wide of which there are over 500 branches across North America. Our vision is to add 30-35 branches a year, while staying true to our Company values.

Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Purchasing Manager to oversee purchasing of apparel and promotional items team within the Marketing Department. This role is responsible for sourcing and procuring branded clothing and promotional items to support marketing campaigns, employee uniforms, and customer giveaways. This role will also be responsible for supporting printed materials orders such as flyers, posters, banners, and business cards for the company. The Purchasing Manager will ensure that all items align with the company's brand image and marketing strategies. Key responsibilities include establishing and maintaining vendor relationships with a focus on cost savings, handling logistics of obtaining bids, reviewing proofs and specifications, and overseeing shipping and billing processes.

Essential Job Functions

• Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with vendors specializing in apparel, print, and promotional products.
• Regularly review and negotiate contracts and pricing to secure cost-effective deals without compromising quality.
• Maintain an approved list of reliable suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality materials.
• Manage requests for branded apparel, print materials, and promotional items from various departments within the company.
• Obtain competitive bids from multiple vendors to ensure the best pricing and terms.
• Oversee the creation and approval of purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies.
• Work with the Brand team to review proofs, samples, and specifications to ensure all materials meet quality standards, adhere to brand guidelines, and align with brand image and marketing strategies.
• Provide guidance to internal customers on branding requirements and material specifications.
• Handle logistics of ordering, shipping, and delivery of promotional items.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Provide regular updates to internal customers on order status, delivery timelines, and any potential issues.
• Facilitate effective communication between internal stakeholders and vendors.
• Manage inventory levels to meet demand while minimizing excess stock.
• Review and approve vendor invoices, ensuring accuracy and alignment with purchase orders.
• Maintain accurate records of all transactions, contracts, and communications with vendors.
• Identify opportunities to enhance procurement processes and operational efficiencies.
• Implement best practices to streamline purchasing activities and reduce administrative burdens.
• Stay informed about industry trends, new products, and alternative vendors to support continuous improvement.

Education/Experience

• 5+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management, preferably within the apparel or promotional products industry.
• Proven track record of successful vendor negotiations and cost savings.
• Experience in managing the procurement of branded merchandise aligned with marketing strategies.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, or a related field.

Competencies:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Knowledge of supply chain logistics and inventory management.
• Familiarity with branding and marketing principles related to promotional materials.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Keen attention to detail with a focus on quality and brand alignment.
• Customer-service oriented.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits Offered:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance.
• 401(k) company match program.
• Telehealth.
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance.
• Basic and AD&D Life Insurance paid for by the company.
• Critical Illness, Hospital Confinement, Accident Insurance, Supplemental Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Mental, physical, financial wellness.
• Auto and Home Insurance discount.
• Paid Time Off and 7 paid Holidays.
• Paid Pregnancy, Parental, and Adoption Leave programs.
• Employee Discount Program.
• Training Programs.
• Internal growth opportunities in a fast-growing company.
• Potential for Bonuses.
• In some jurisdictions, state or local laws address sick leave or other leaves of absence. The Company complies with all such laws. This policy shall apply only to the extent it does not conflict with applicable law.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and climbing. The employee must be able to lift and move items up to 50 pounds.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, assignment, re-assignment, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, and termination. The Company prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment based on race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same sex); sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; service member status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. We support protected veterans and individuals with disabilities through our affirmative action program.

Attention Applicants

If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or if you have difficulty accessing or using the online application process and need an alternative method, please contactus at HRServices@cityelectricsupply.comor 1-855-571-2477.

City Electric Supply is a drug free workplace. For further information about CES, visit our website at www.cityelectricsupply.com.