Inventory Buyer

Job description

About the Role Southwest Accessory Group is seeking an experienced Inventory Buyer to support the purchasing, planning, and inventory management of automotive parts and accessories. The Inventory Buyer is responsible for maintaining appropriate inventory levels while balancing product availability, customer demand, supplier lead times, inventory investment, and operational requirements. This position manages purchasing activity, monitors inventory trends, maintains critical purchasing and item data, and proactively identifies potential stockouts, excess inventory, supplier delays, and other supply-chain risks. This role works cross-functionally with suppliers, Sales, Customer Service, Distribution Operations, Accounting, and Inventory Management to ensure product availability and support an efficient and responsive supply chain. What You'll Do Purchasing & Supplier Management Purchase automotive parts, accessories, materials, and supplies based on forecasts, inventory requirements, and business demand. Create, maintain, and monitor purchase orders through completion. Ensure products are procured in a timely and cost-effective manner. Monitor supplier performance, lead times, order fulfillment, and delivery expectations. Develop and maintain productive supplier relationships. Support supplier negotiations and procurement strategies. Ensure suppliers comply with applicable purchasing requirements and Company expectations. Maintain and upload supplier pricing and related purchasing information. Inventory Planning & Analysis Monitor inventory levels and maintain appropriate stock based on forecasts, historical demand, supplier lead times, sales activity, and business intelligence. Identify and communicate potential stockouts, excess inventory, inventory shortages, extended lead times, and other supply-chain risks . Analyze inventory trends and recommend appropriate purchasing actions. Support forecasting and inventory planning activities. Monitor product lifecycle and assist with inventory strategies for new, active, aging, and discontinued products. Partner with Inventory Management to optimize inventory availability while minimizing unnecessary inventory investment. Data & Systems Management Maintain accurate item master information. Maintain purchase order and intercompany transfer data. Upload and maintain monthly supplier pricing. Upload and maintain required daily inventory files for suppliers. Maintain accurate purchasing and inventory information within ERP and WMS systems. Identify and resolve discrepancies affecting purchasing, inventory, pricing, or product availability. Cross-Functional Communication Proactively communicate supply-chain conditions and inventory concerns to appropriate stakeholders. Partner with Sales and Customer Service regarding product availability, shortages, and expected delivery dates. Work closely with Distribution Operations to address inventory movement and availability. Partner with Accounting regarding purchasing, pricing, and supplier-related discrepancies. Provide timely reporting and analysis to support business and inventory decisions. What We're Looking For Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, Finance, or a related field preferred. 3–5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory management, supply-chain planning, or a related role. Experience working with ERP and/or WMS systems; NetSuite experience preferred . Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Experience with inventory forecasting, demand planning, and inventory analysis. Strong understanding of purchasing and inventory management principles. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and proficiency with Microsoft Office. Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to develop effective working relationships across departments and with external suppliers. Automotive parts, distribution, or multi-location inventory experience is a plus. What Success Looks Like Success in this role includes: Maintaining appropriate inventory availability to support customer demand. Proactively identifying and communicating potential stockouts and supply-chain risks. Accurate and timely purchase order management. Strong supplier follow-up and accountability. Accurate item, pricing, and purchasing data. Effective inventory management that balances product availability with inventory investment. Timely communication with Sales, Customer Service, and Operations when supply conditions change. Consistent follow-through and ownership of assigned purchasing and inventory responsibilities. Work Environment & Schedule This is a full-time, on-site position with a primarily day-shift schedule. The position is primarily performed in an office environment and requires extended periods of sitting and computer use. Occasional overtime or weekend work may be required based on business needs. Reasonable Accommodation Southwest Accessory Group provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process should contact Human Resources. Work Environment & Schedule: Day Shift, Full Time, on-site Classification: Exempt Salary/Hourly: Salary Department: Procurement Reports To: Inventory Manager Salary Band: $75,000-$90,000 DOE About Southwest Accessory Group Southwest Accessories Group is committed to being the premier supplier of accessories by serving our customers with precision, responsiveness, and integrity. We fulfill their needs in an accurate and seamless manner, grounded in a culture of excellence and grit. We strive to be the employer of choice by fostering a workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered. Through clear goals, strong communication, and aligned purpose, we provide meaningful opportunities for professional growth and personal worth. We are dedicated to maintaining an efficient and profitable organization, ensuring long-term value creation for our owners through principled leadership and operational alignment. Our employees, our customers, and our community are our most valuable assets. It is our responsibility to provide a professional atmosphere based on sound business ethics, honesty and integrity. Benefits Day Shift (No Overnights) Paid Holidays 401(k) Plan w/ match Full benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability and supplemental plans. PTO & Sick Time