Inventory Buyer

Inventory Buyer Southwest Accessory Group is seeking an experienced Inventory Buyer to support the purchasing, planning, and inventory management of automotive parts and accessories. The Inventory Buyer is responsible for maintaining appropriate inventory levels while balancing product availability, customer demand, supplier lead times, inventory investment, and operational requirements. This position manages purchasing activity, monitors inventory trends, maintains critical purchasing and item data, and proactively identifies potential stockouts, excess inventory, supplier delays, and other supply-chain risks. This role works cross-functionally with suppliers, Sales, Customer Service, Distribution Operations, Accounting, and Inventory Management to ensure product availability and support an efficient and responsive supply chain. Purchasing & Supplier Management Purchase automotive parts, accessories, materials, and supplies based on forecasts, inventory requirements, and business demand. Create, maintain, and monitor purchase orders through completion. Ensure products are procured in a timely and cost-effective manner. Monitor supplier performance, lead times, order fulfillment, and delivery expectations. Develop and maintain productive supplier relationships. Support supplier negotiations and procurement strategies. Ensure suppliers comply with applicable purchasing requirements and Company expectations. Maintain and upload supplier pricing and related purchasing information. Inventory Planning & Analysis Monitor inventory levels and maintain appropriate stock based on forecasts, historical demand, supplier lead times, sales activity, and business intelligence. Identify and communicate potential stockouts, excess inventory, inventory shortages, extended lead times, and other supply-chain risks. Analyze inventory trends and recommend appropriate purchasing actions. Support forecasting and inventory planning activities. Monitor product lifecycle and assist with inventory strategies for new, active, aging, and discontinued products. Partner with Inventory Management to optimize inventory availability while minimizing unnecessary inventory investment. Data & Systems Management Maintain accurate item master information. Maintain purchase order and intercompany transfer data. Upload and maintain monthly supplier pricing. Upload and maintain required daily inventory files for suppliers. Maintain accurate purchasing and inventory information within ERP and WMS systems. Identify and resolve discrepancies affecting purchasing, inventory, pricing, or product availability. Cross-Functional Communication Proactively communicate supply-chain conditions and inventory concerns to appropriate stakeholders. Partner with Sales and Customer Service regarding product availability, shortages, and expected delivery dates. Work closely with Distribution Operations to address inventory movement and availability. Partner with Accounting regarding purchasing, pricing, and supplier-related discrepancies. Provide timely reporting and analysis to support business and inventory decisions.

Southwest Accessories Group is committed to being the premier supplier of accessories by serving our customers with precision, responsiveness, and integrity. We fulfill their needs in an accurate and seamless manner, grounded in a culture of excellence and grit. We strive to be the employer of choice by fostering a workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered. Through clear goals, strong communication, and aligned purpose, we provide meaningful opportunities for professional growth and personal worth. We are dedicated to maintaining an efficient and profitable organization, ensuring long-term value creation for our owners through principled leadership and operational alignment. Our employees, our customers, and our community are our most valuable assets. It is our responsibility to provide a professional atmosphere based on sound business ethics, honesty and integrity.