Purchasing Specialist

Location: Englishtown

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Purchasing Specialist to support our Inventory Management team by managing procurement from U.S. manufacturers and coordinating domestic production and logistics. This role will handle supplier relationships, trucking and freight arrangements, and customer-driven special orders. The Purchasing Specialist will ensure our NJ and CA warehouses are optimally stocked to meet customer demand.
Role and Responsibilities

Purchase Order & Inventory Management

• Analyze inventory trends and forecasts to optimize stocking levels and reduce out-of-stock risk.
• Create, track, and expedite purchase orders with U.S. manufacturers to ensure timely fulfillment.
• Resolve purchase order and invoice discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain accurate system data, including lead times, minimum order quantities, and purchase orders.
• Communicate replenishment details cross-functionally.

Supplier Management

• Manage and strengthen relationships with U.S. manufacturers.
• Collaborate with suppliers on production schedules, capacity, and quality performance.
• Address and escalate supplier discrepancies or quality concerns as needed.

Logistics & Cost Optimization

• Coordinate trucking and freight services to optimize cost and delivery performance.
• Handle sourcing, purchasing, and customer service for domestic special orders and drop shipments.
• Partner with internal and external logistics to determine cost-effective inventory movement options.

Performance & Metrics

• Consistently meet KPI goals, including:
• Inventory turnover targets
• In-stock percentage requirements
• On-time delivery performance

Technology & Systems

• Utilize ERP systems and reporting tools to maintain data accuracy and support decision-making.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Customer Service, and Logistics teams to align supply with customer and business needs.

Perform other duties as required

Physical Requirements:

Regularly stand/sit for extended periods, operate office equipment, perform light-moderate lifting, lift/move up to 30 lbs. occasionally, bend, twist, and maintain posture. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain (domestic purchasing experience preferred).
• Strong negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Excel and ERP systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills

• Ceramic Tile experience preferred

Additional Notes

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

COMPANY CORE VALUES

Merola Tile Fundamentals

We stay true to our mission statement "Improving Homes. Improving Lives." With our product we improve homes, but it is with our collective effort that we improve lives. Our Fundamentals describe the values, behaviors, principles, and practices that are the foundation of our unique workplace. It explains how we relate to each other, our clients, and even our suppliers. It's who we are, and it's what drives our extraordinary success.

It's our commitment to each other to improve our lives

Merola Fundamentals | Merola Tile

Merola Tile Brands, Benefits, & Perks:

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• 9 Annual Paid Holidays (including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas)
• Paid Time Off - earned and accrued from your first day with the company
• 401(k) Plan with company match (eligibility after 1 month)
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Performance Reviews after 90 days and annually
• Quarterly Company Goals - opportunity to earn up to 4 weeks of additional bonus pay annually
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Employee Discount on tile after 6 months
• Fresh Fruit, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, and Tea provided daily
• Weekly Company Lunches
• Company Culture Events - BBQs, Ugly Sweater Day, T-shirt making, Halloween contests, and more
• Fun, Friendly, Family-Like Environment

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.

Merola Tile provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.