Purchasing and Inventory Specialist

Purchasing & Inventory Specialist

Hamilton, ON
Industry: Steel Distribution | Metals | Manufacturing
$50,000 - $65,000

About the Company

Our client is a well-established and growing North American steel and metals distribution company, serving customers across the manufacturing, construction, and industrial sectors.

With an extensive distribution network across Canada and the United States, the company has built a strong reputation for quality products, reliable service, and operational excellence. Continued investment in infrastructure, technology, and people has supported its growth and expansion.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Purchasing & Inventory Specialist to join our client's team.

This position plays an important role in maintaining inventory levels, coordinating purchasing activities, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring the efficient movement of materials between facilities.

The ideal candidate brings experience in purchasing and inventory management within a manufacturing, warehouse, or distribution environment. We are looking for someone who enjoys problem-solving, works well with different departments, and takes a proactive approach to inventory planning and procurement.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Procurement

• Coordinate purchasing activities to ensure material availability while maintaining cost efficiency.
• Work closely with regional managers, branch managers, and sales teams to forecast material requirements.
• Issue purchase orders to suppliers and third-party material processors.
• Support supplier sourcing, pricing negotiations, and procurement planning.
• Coordinate the release of purchased materials from suppliers and mills.
• Review and approve freight arrangements and associated transportation costs.

Inventory Management & Planning

• Monitor inventory levels to maintain adequate stock and minimize shortages, excess inventory, and duplicate products.
• Prepare weekly low-stock reports to support purchasing decisions.
• Conduct quarterly inventory analysis and provide recommendations to management.
• Track inventory movement, material availability, and stock transfers between company locations.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, including product identification, packing lists, and material locations.
• Review material processing reports to ensure accurate inventory records.

Logistics & Internal Coordination

• Coordinate intercompany stock transfers and shipping arrangements between distribution facilities.
• Monitor shipment schedules and follow up on material deliveries.
• Track processed materials and expedite shipments for urgent customer requirements.
• Collaborate with purchasing, sales, warehouse, and logistics teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory processes, purchasing efficiency, and material flow.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 2 years of purchasing or inventory management experience within a manufacturing, warehouse, or distribution environment.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems for purchasing, inventory planning, and material management.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Word.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to anticipate inventory needs and identify potential supply issues.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate discrepancies and identify root causes.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with internal departments, suppliers, and logistics partners.
• Experience in steel, metals, or industrial distribution is considered an asset.

What Our Client Offers

• Opportunity to join an established and growing North American organization.
• Exposure to purchasing strategy, supplier management, and inventory optimization.
• Collaborative environment with experienced operations and management teams.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Stable, full-time employment within an essential industrial sector.