Purchasing Buyer - Inventory Replenishment

Job Description

The Replenishment Buyer is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted product supply across a diverse automotive parts portfolio—including ICE, hybrid, and EV-related components—by executing effective purchasing strategies and optimizing inventory levels. This role focuses heavily on supply chain tactical processes, purchase order execution, lead-time reliability, and inventory optimization to support service-level, margin, and working-capital goals.

Your Responsibilities

• Execute purchase orders to maintain product availability across assigned automotive product categories.
• Monitor supplier lead times, capacity constraints, shipment statuses, and inbound logistics to ensure continuity of supply.
• Expedite and adjust purchase orders as necessary to respond to supply disruptions, backorders, or shifts in customer requirements.

Inventory Optimization

• Maintain optimal stocking strategies by adjusting reorder points, safety stock, and replenishment parameters within system guidelines.
• Identify excess and slow‑moving inventory trends and partner with internal teams on disposition, substitutions, or cost‑recovery strategies.
• Support inventory‑health initiatives—including obsolescence mitigation and SKU lifecycle management—for both traditional and emerging EV components.
• Analyze inventory performance (turns, DOH, service levels) and recommend actions that balance availability and financial targets.

Supplier Management

• Manage day‑to‑day supplier interactions and hold suppliers accountable for OTIF performance, quality, and responsiveness.
• Participate in supplier reviews and contribute feedback on lead‑time accuracy, delivery reliability, and improvement opportunities.
• Support negotiations on pricing, freight terms, MOQ adjustments, and packaging optimization to reduce landed cost and improve margin.
• Resolve supply‑related issues including shortages, over‑shipments, quality holds, and documentation discrepancies.
• Partner with Logistics and Distribution to coordinate inbound shipments, container optimization, and warehouse receiving priorities.

Data Management

• Maintain accurate purchasing data—including lead times, pricing, supplier information, and item settings—in ERP and planning systems.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing cost, improving supply reliability, and streamlining procurement processes.
• Work closely with Planning, Sourcing, Category Management, Quality, Sales, and Operations to support new product introductions, portfolio transitions, and supplier scorecarding.
• Communicate supply risks, delays, or constraints to internal stakeholders in a timely and solution‑focused manner.
• Support corporate initiatives related to digital procurement enhancements and inventory‑data integrity.
• Perform other duties as required, including participating in sourcing events, cost‑reduction initiatives, or process‑improvement projects.

Qualifications

• Strong PC proficiency: including ERP/MRP systems, Excel, and digital procurement tools.
• Customer‑focused mindset: with urgency and accountability.
• Understanding of automotive‑parts supply‑chain dynamics: such as supersessions, supplier consolidation, imports, and SKU proliferation.
• Education: Associate’s degree in supply chain, business, operations management, or related field required.
• Experience: 3–5 years of purchasing or supply‑chain experience in the automotive aftermarket or a comparable high‑SKU distribution environment preferred.
• International sourcing experience: Experience with international sourcing or long‑lead imported product categories is a plus.
• Certifications: Supply‑chain certifications (APICS CPIM/CSCP, ISM CPSM) preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools: High‑proficiency in MS Office tools (especially Excel), ERP and Spend Management systems.