Buyer & Inventory Coordinator

Description

Hastings Water Works is diving into our next great hire: a dynamic Buyer & Inventory Coordinator who’s ready to make waves and keep our operations flowing smoothly. If you love organizing chaos, negotiating like a pro, and keeping things stocked and on time — we want to hear from you!

The Buyer and Inventory Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of purchasing and special parts estimating for Hastings Water Works. This includes identifying products to maintain stock levels, negotiating terms with vendors, providing parts estimates for pools and spas, locating parts, pricing estimates, and communicating with clients and service managers. The role also includes setting pricing for products and services in collaboration with Finance and Sales to achieve levels of profitability as determined by senior management. Additionally, the Buyer and Inventory Control Coordinator oversees inventory control and warehouse operations, supervises the Warehouse Manager, and serves as the lead estimator.

Why join us? We offer a competitive benefits package and unbeatable company culture. Not only do you get to work with the best in the biz, but we also keep the fun going all year round—not just during the sunny summer months!

Responsibilities:

• Generate purchase orders and place orders with appropriate vendors.
• Negotiate special purchases and payment terms with vendors.
• Maintain pricing in inventory management system.
• Ensure appropriate inventory quantities and reconcile cycle counts with Warehouse Manager
• Communicate with vendors regarding invoices and prepare invoices for payment.
• Schedule bulk chlorine deliveries.
• Provide consultation to clients, vendors, sales, and service departments to identify solutions, create estimates, and resolve issues.
• Identify part numbers and locate specialized parts.
• Provide estimates for parts and labor, including large-scale projects.
• Create work orders and ensure credits received from vendors for product returns.
• Supervise Warehouse Manager and responsible for warehouse operations.

Planning Activities:

• Maintain appropriate inventory quantities with Warehouse Manager
• Collaborate with Sales and Service to create estimates for projects.
• Collaborate with the central procurement department on strategic buying opportunities.
• Monitor parts status and ensure timely service scheduling.
• Plan warehouse layout, storage optimization, and inventory flow.
• Coordinate with the service team to estimate large-scale project needs.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or 5+ years of field experience. 
• Minimum 3 years of purchasing experience.
• 1–3 years of estimating experience, including project-based cost analysis
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and inventory management systems
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, seasonal environment.
• Proven experience in inventory control and warehouse operations
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and develop team members.

Preferred:

• Experience in the swimming pool service or construction industry
• Familiarity with estimating software and ERP systems
• Technical or mechanical knowledge related to plumbing, electrical, or pool systems.