Purchasing Manager (Id# 664)

Volarify

  • Houston, Texas
  • 30+ days ago

    Highlights

    We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead our purchasing, inventory, and receiving team within a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) or Managed Service Provider (MSP) environment. The ideal candidate has a strong background in technology purchasing, understands the fast-paced needs of MSP/VAR operations, and can build a disciplined, accurate, and responsive purchasing function.

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationHouston, Texas

    Description

    PURCHASING MANAGER

    Location: Houston, TX
    Type: Full-Time

    Inventory & Receiving Team Leadership | VAR / MSP Environment 

     

    Position Overview 

    We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead our purchasing, inventory, and receiving team within a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) or Managed Service Provider (MSP) environment. This role is responsible for the day-to-day execution of purchasing activities — from purchase order creation through vendor follow-up, delivery tracking, and receiving coordination. The ideal candidate has a strong background in technology purchasing, understands the fast-paced needs of MSP/VAR operations, and can build a disciplined, accurate, and responsive purchasing function. 

    Key Responsibilities 

    Team Leadership & Operations 

    • Lead, mentor, and develop the purchasing, inventory, and receiving team (buyers, purchasing coordinators, receiving clerks, and inventory specialists). 

    • Set performance targets, conduct regular 1:1s, and manage shift scheduling to maintainappropriate business coverage. 

    • Foster a culture of accuracy, urgency, accountability, and continuous improvement across purchasing and receiving functions. 

    Purchasing Execution 

    • Own the full purchase order lifecycle: requisition review, vendor selection, PO creation, order confirmation, delivery tracking, backorder expediting, and invoice reconciliation. 

    • Maintain accurate open-order reports and proactively communicate status, delays, and alternatives to internal stakeholders and client-facing teams. 

    • Ensure purchasing decisions align with approved budgets, vendor agreements, and client project timelines. 

    • Resolve PO discrepancies, delivery issues, and vendor billing problems in a timely manner. 

    Vendor & Distributor Relations 

    • Manage relationships with key technology distributors and vendors (e.g., Ingram Micro, TD Synnex, direct OEMs). 

    • Negotiate pricing, lead times, freight terms, and return privileges to support margin and service goals. 

    • Evaluate vendor performance on delivery, accuracy, and responsiveness; escalate chronic issues as needed. 

    Inventory & Receiving Coordination 

    • Coordinate with the receiving team to ensure all incoming IT assets are inspected, serialized, and recorded in the ERP / inventory system with 99.5%+ accuracy. 

    • Support cycle-count programs, physical inventory audits, and discrepancy-resolution processes. 

    • Maintain appropriate stock levels for high-velocity IT components and coordinate with service and project teams to forecast demand. 

    • Oversee asset tagging, warranty tracking, and RMA processes for client and internal equipment. 

    Process & Compliance 

    • Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for purchasing, receiving, inspection, storage, and dispatch. 

    • Ensure compliance with IT asset management policies, data-security requirements, and relevant industry regulations. 

    • Drive adoption of automation and digital tools (ERP purchasing modules, vendor portals, barcode / RFID scanning) to improve efficiency and visibility. 

    Required Qualifications 

    • 5+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain operations, with at least 2 years in a leadership role. 

    • Demonstrated experience in a VAR, MSP, or technology reseller environment — purchasing IT hardware, software licenses, or technology services. 

    • Strong understanding of purchase order management, vendor follow-up, backorder expediting, and receiving workflows. 

    • Proficiency with ERP purchasing modules and PSA platforms common in MSPs (e.g., ConnectWise, Autotask, ServiceNow, Salesforce). 

    • Excellent negotiation, communication, and vendor-management skills. 

    • Strong analytical skills; ability to interpret open-order reports, inventory reports, and purchasing metrics. 

    • Excellent leadership and cross-functional skills; able to work closely with service delivery, project management, finance, and operations teams. 

    Preferred Qualifications 

    • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field; relevant certification (CPSM, CSCP, CPIM) preferred. 

    • Experience with IT asset management (ITAM) and ITIL frameworks. 

    • Familiarity with SaaS, IaaS, UCaaS, and software-license procurement. 

    • Experience implementing barcode / RFID or automated receiving systems. 

    • Knowledge of cybersecurity supply-chain practices (e.g., secure sourcing, anti-counterfeiting measures for IT components). 

    What We Offer 

    • Competitive salary and performance-based bonus. 

    • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits. 

    • Professional development budget and certification support. 

    • Opportunity to lead a growing team in a technology-driven VAR/MSP environment. 

    How to Apply 

    Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your experience leading purchasing and receiving operations in a VAR, MSP, or technology reseller environment, along with any relevant certifications.