Job description
Location: 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.
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