Purchasing Manager; Cerritos, CA

As the Market Purchasing Manager, you will oversee, supervise and lead domestic purchasing for Bunzl Distribution’s California Market. This critical role will be responsible for leading a team of 10-11 direct reports (replenishment buyers) and managing purchasing activities across the market, ensuring the timely, accurate, and efficient acquisition of products while maintaining high standards of inventory level management. This leader will focus on ensuring inventory levels align with customer demand, improving supply chain efficiency, and optimizing service levels.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supply chain management, vendor negotiations, and team leadership in a distribution environment.

This is an onsite role in our Cerritos, CA office;
Day shift, M-F. There may be some flexibility to work from home 2-3 days per month as needed.

• Supervise 8-10 replenishment buyers including recruiting, selection, training, performance management and detailed development plans for each procurement professional (Buyers). The Buyer team may be onsite at this location or another office locations across the region.
• Oversee, supervise, and execute domestic purchasing and overall management of inventory
• Develop and implement inventory strategies with forecasted demand to optimize inventory levels across multiple distribution centers, minimizing excess stock and stockouts
• Monitor Buyer productivity and KPIs; including volume, value, fill rate, turns, and overstock
• Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with key suppliers and vendors
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing in a timely manner
• Work alongside internal staff (Sales, Sourcing, Customer Service, Operations, Accounting) to optimize purchasing efforts, new product launches, and changes in product life cycles to maximize customer satisfaction
• Develop and present regular reports on inventory performance, inventory levels, and key performance metrics
• Foster a high-performance team environment by mentoring and developing team members
• Drive continuous improvement within the team; ensuring best practices are followed
• Lead initiatives to streamline procurement processes, improve operational efficiencies, and enhance supplier relationships
• Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement long‑term strategies that support business growth and objectives
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and relevant legal requirements
• Be a model leader for communicating with impact, ensuring that all needs across sales, demand planning, replenishment purchasing, and operations are met on time and to expectation
• Deliver the budgeted metrics and objectives of the department, ensuring that all strategic decisions are in sync with the division’s 3‑year business plan. Metrics may include, but are not limited to:
• Conformance to category management guidelines or demand plans that ensure preferred vendor relationships and products are core to every buying decision
• Inventory balance granular to ordering characteristics and aged profile
• Maintain vendor relationships including service level and On Time and In Full (OTIF)
• Identification and capture of opportunities for one‑time PBIT improvements
• Serve as the functional expert and Subject Matter Leader for ERP tools (e.g. AS400, Blue Yonder)
• Be a thought leader capable of transitioning routinely purchased items to conform to an A/B/C/D priority purchasing model and associated stocking parameters
• As necessary, directly negotiate with vendors on any required item to reach a decision

• High School Diploma required
• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred. Significant (10+ years) industry experience may be substituted for a degree particularly if it’s within a manufacturing or distribution industry.
• 5+ years’ experience in purchasing, preferably in the distribution environment
• Previous supervisory experience strongly preferred, with particular focus on the ability to develop a high‑performing team.
• Deep knowledge of various supply chain principles including replenishment purchasing, freight, and warehousing. Industry…