Supply Chain Specialist

Supply Chain Specialist

The Supply Chain Specialist is responsible for managing purchasing, inventory, and supplier performance for assigned commodities with increasing autonomy and accountability. This role focuses on optimizing inventory levels, improving supplier performance, and driving measurable outcomes across cost, service, and working capital. $76,000 - $99,600 annually, DOE.

The Supply Chain Specialist contributes to commodity performance by independently managing sourcing, planning, and supplier activities while applying data, analytics, and market insights to support business objectives.

Own end-to-end performance of assigned commodities by managing purchasing, inventory, and supplier activities that deliver measurable value across cost, inventory optimization, supplier performance, and service execution.

This role is accountable from source ? pay ? performance outcomes while operating in a collaborative environment where supplier selection may be shared, but ownership of commodity performance remains with the Buyer II.

Owns assigned SKUs, suppliers, and purchasing activity within assigned commodities

Maintains accountability for cost, inventory, service, and supplier performance outcomes

Makes decisions related to product mix, stocking strategy, and supplier utilization

Proactively manages trade-offs between cost, service, and working capital

Demonstrates clear accountability for resultsnot activities

Resolves issues independently with minimal escalation

Takes ownership of commodity performance and outcomes

Develops and executes sourcing activities aligned with company objectives

Leads supplier discussions and negotiations within assigned scope

Identifies and executes cost reduction and value improvement opportunities

Applies understanding of supplier cost drivers (materials, labor, freight)

Actively identifies cost savings opportunities

Applies Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index (PPI) insights to decisions

Begins influencing supplier pricing and terms

Owns inventory performance including turns, excess, stockouts, and availability

Executes replenishment strategies based on demand and service needs

Partners with planning functions on Material Requirements Planning (MRP) inputs while retaining accountability

Drives improvements in inventory positioning and working capital efficiency

Balances service levels with inventory and working capital

Drives improvement in inventory turns and excess reduction

Anticipates and mitigates supply risks

Monitors and manages supplier performance including delivery, responsiveness, and quality

Holds suppliers accountable for On-Time In-Full (OTIF), lead time, and service expectations

Builds and maintains professional, performance-focused supplier relationships

Drives Improvement in supplier performance

Strengthens supplier relationships through accountability and communication

Supports consistent and reliable supplier execution

Maintains knowledge of commodity markets, supply/demand dynamics and cost drivers

Applies BLS/PPI and market trends to sourcing and inventory decisions

Aligns purchasing decisions with market conditions and customer demand

Demonstrates understanding of market dynamics

Uses data and insights to support decisions

Begins anticipating market trends and risks

Partners with Sales, Operations, Finance and internal teams to align supply chain decisions

Influences product, service levels, and inventory strategies

Supports Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) processes

Collaborates effectively across functions

Influences decisions impacting service and performance

Aligns actions with customer and business needs

Identifies improvements in cost, service, working capital, and processes

Supports adoption of new tools, systems, and best practices

Contributes ideas to improve supply chain performance

Drives continuous improvement initiatives

Identifies value creation opportunities

Contributes to a proactive and high-performance culture

Performance in this role is measured through contribution to the following areas:

Cost management and purchasing decisions aligned with company objectives

Inventory performance including availability, inventory turns, and reduction of excess

Supplier performance including delivery, responsiveness, and issue resolution

Service and product availability to support branch and customer needs

Data and system integrity, including accuracy of item and planning data

Process execution with consistency, discipline, and adherence to standards

Consistent delivery of KPI targets

Measurable improvements in cost, inventory, and service

Recognized ownership of assigned commodities

Proactive, solutions-oriented approach

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor's preferred (Business, Supply Chain, Finance or related field. Expertise managing suppliers and inventory performance. Minimum of 4-7 years of experience in supply chain or purchasing inventory management, operations, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience using automated purchasing, ERP, or inventory management systems to manage purchasing and inventory activities

Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with vendors, branches, and cross-functional teams

Demonstrated ability to independently manage purchasing decisions, inventory performance, and supplier relationships

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and support decision-making

Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office with strong proficiency in Excel (e.g., pivot tables, data analysis)

Working knowledge of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) concepts and inventory planning processes

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment

Problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement solutions with minimal supervision

Understanding of supplier cost drivers (materials, labor, freight) and their impact on purchasing decisions

Demonstrated ability to balance cost, service, and inventory considerations to achieve business objectives

Ability to influence outcomes through collaboration with cross-functional partners

Demonstrates accountability and ownership of assigned commodities and performance outcomes

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Ability to pass background check and drug screen

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and vendors.

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form.

Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and business operating software purchasing systems.

Attendance is required Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. or within normal business hours as established by the supervisor. Employee may be required to work overtime, and occasional weekends.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands, handle, or feel; and required to speak, read and hear English. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and may be occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Located mostly in an office environment with some exposure to a warehouse environment.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This is a high stress and fast paced environment.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Hercules Industries is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age,