Purchasing Lead

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure™ with local service, nationwide®. As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. Core & Main’s 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more.

Job Summary

Responsible for maintaining a proactive channel of communication with management regarding indirect purchasing and indirect inventory decisions impacting the business. Generate reports for spending trends and initiate resolution plans to control indirect spend costs. Assist with departmental budget preparation and management.  

Major Tasks, Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities

• Conducts analysis of purchasing trends and ensures contract pricing is utilized.
• Negotiates contracts and prices with vendors; proactively seeks out product/vendors in order to obtain best pricing and products.
• Works closely with field teams and purchasing management to communicates changes in a timely manner.
• Enters backorders and communicates backorder status regularly with teams. Coordinates substitute items to meet customer needs and timelines.
• Identifies and outlines process improvements that will help the team increase accuracy and productivity to supervisor.
• Assists in development of training materials, data sets to support purchasing functions. Trains new and existing associates on proper processes and procedures.
• Identifies and escalates gaps in purchasing information with appropriate levels of urgency. Researches shortages and provides accurate details of all shortage issues.
• Responsible for some purchasing under the general direction of purchasing management.  

Nature and Scope

• May modify processes to resolve situations.
• Under limited supervision, relies on experience and exercises independent judgment to determine the best approach to achieve desired outcomes. Course of action is often determined by interpreting procedures and policies. Work typically involves periodic review of output by a supervisor or direct "customers" of the process.
• Is sought out and/or assigned to provide general guidance/direction, training, and technical assistance to junior level support personnel. Contributes to employees' professional development but does not have hiring/firing authority.  

Work Environment

• Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.
• No travel required.
• Most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position and there is frequent opportunity to move about. On rare occasions there may be a need to move or lift light articles.  

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age or older
• Must pass pre-employment assessment(s) if applicable  

Education and Experience

• Technical certification or associate degree may be required in some areas. Generally 5-7 years of experience in a related area of responsibility   

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 – 8 years of order entry and customer service experience.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred but not required
• SAP, ERP, and job cost experience
• Experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Flooring or construction industry experience  

Core & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence.  Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship, or any other basis protected by law.

None of the questions in this application are intended to elicit information regarding any protected characteristics, nor imply any limitation, illegal preferences or discrimination based upon non-job-related information or protected characteristics.

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