PURCHASING MANAGERLocation: Houston, TX
Type: Full-Time - Onsite
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 maintain appropriate 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.
