Purchasing & Inventory Specialist

Location: Bakersfield, CA

Company Overview

Sierra International Machinery is a leading manufacturer of balers and shears for the recycled materials industry. With a strong commitment to innovation and quality, we design and produce cutting-edge machinery that helps our customers efficiently process and manage recyclable materials. As an industry leader, we are dedicated to delivering reliable and durable equipment that maximizes productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

Job Description:

Sierra International Machinery is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Purchasing & Inventory Specialist to support procurement, supplier relationships, and inventory control. This role is responsible for maintaining pricing agreements, analyzing inventory trends, and overseeing purchase order and item databases. The ideal candidate combines hands-on purchasing experience with strong analytical skills to optimize inventory levels, reduce costs, and improve procurement efficiency.

Responsibilities:

1. Vendor Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors, negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts. Collaborate with vendors to ensure timely delivery of materials and products.

2. Inventory Pricing Agreements: : Manage all inventory pricing agreements and maintain accurate pricing within the ERP system to ensure purchase order and invoice accuracy.

3. Inventory Replenishment: Monitor inventory levels and manage replenishment by establishing and maintaining appropriate re-order points, safety stock, and inventory parameters based on demand forecasts and historical usage.

4. Inventory Management: Maintain accurate inventory records by overseeing fiscal year-end physical inventory activities, including planning, coordination, reconciliation, variance investigation, and reporting to ensure accurate inventory valuation and financial reporting.

5. Cost Reduction: Identify and implement opportunities to reduce procurement costs through strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, inventory optimization, and continuous process improvement.

6. Purchase Order Management: Create, process, and manage purchase orders to ensure timely delivery, accurate documentation, and resolution of purchasing and receiving discrepancies.

7. Inventory Item Database: Maintain the integrity of the ERP inventory item master by ensuring accurate product information, supplier data, pricing, lead times, and stocking parameters.

8. Reporting and Analysis: Generate reports and analyze inventory data to identify trends, consumption patterns, and potential inventory optimization strategies.

9. Collaboration: Collaborate with internal departments, vendors, customers, and other company locations to support purchasing, inventory management, issue resolution, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications:

• Education: Associate or bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Procurement Experience: Previous experience in inventory management, purchasing, procurement, supply chain, retail, warehouse operations, or administrative support is preferred.
• Vendor Relationship Management: Ability to communicate professionally and build positive working relationships with vendors and internal team members. Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to learn vendor management and negotiation processes.
• Inventory Management Skills: Basic understanding of inventory management principles, including inventory accuracy, stock levels, reorder points, and lead times, or the ability to learn these concepts quickly.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate purchase orders, pricing information, and inventory records. Ability to identify and report discrepancies.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to review inventory data, identify trends, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with team members, vendors, and other departments.
• Database Management: Strong computer and data entry skills. Experience with purchase order systems, inventory databases, or inventory management software is preferred.
• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment to achieve procurement and inventory management goals.
• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in using computer applications for database management, reporting, and communication purposes.

Why Join Sierra International Machinery?

Sierra International Machinery offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, opportunities for career growth, and the chance to contribute to an industry-leading manufacturer committed to innovation and sustainability.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Sierra International Machinery reserves the right to modify this position to meet changing business needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• How many years have you been doing parts sales over the phone and internet and for which companies?

Work Location: In person