Specialty Coatings Purchasing Specialist

Description

The Specialty Coatings Purchasing Specialist will be a highly motivated and strategically minded individual that will lead the procurement efforts in the Specialty Coatings segment. This role demands deep industry knowledge, strong vendor negotiation skills, and a proactive, self-directing approach. The ideal candidate will drive strategic purchasing initiatives, optimize inventory levels, identify rebate and savings opportunities, and support long-term supplier agreements.

This role requires a blend of high-level strategy and category expertise, with a secondary focus on warehouse management principles to support supply continuity.

About PSE Group

PSE Group is a nationwide team of coatings specialists dedicated to providing exceptional products and value-added services to our customer partners. PSE Group offers a wide range of coatings solutions to enhance our customers' productivity, improve quality, and reduce material cost. Our objective is to support the entire purchasing process from coatings to associated products to complete application systems. We provide comprehensive solutions to meet our customers' needs. PSE Group includes brands from across the country including Painters Supply & Equipment Co, Nyquist Paints, FAMIS, Aerocoat Source, ABC Autobody Color, Auto Paint Supply, Carolina Automotive Refinish Supply, Charlottesville Automotive Refinish Supply, Golden Isles Paint & Supply, Interbay Coatings, ProWood Finishes, RMS Pro Finishes, Specialty Coatings Inc., Strand’s Industrial Coatings, United Sales Company, and Wyrick Company.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the procurement and sourcing strategy for all Specialty Coatings products.
• Develop and execute long-term strategic sourcing plans in alignment with corporate goals.
• Analyze purchasing trends, inventory levels, and market conditions to optimize cost, inventory turnover, and supplier performance.
• Identify, negotiate, and manage rebate opportunities, supplier incentives, and pricing structures.
• Drive cost savings, risk mitigation, and supplier consolidation where appropriate.
• Negotiate and maintain vendor contracts and distribution agreements with a focus on favorable terms, service levels, and long-term value.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, and Finance to align purchasing strategies with business needs.
• Support and influence warehouse operations planning, including inventory placement and turnover strategies.
• Serve as a key point of contact for supplier performance management and issue resolution.
• Evaluate and implement systems, tools, and best practices for continuous improvement in the purchasing function.
• Prepare the role for upward mobility by shadowing executive leadership, participating in strategic planning, and taking on high-impact projects.
  
  

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain with a focus on specialty coatings.
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive results.
• High level of self-direction and initiative; thrives in an autonomous environment.
• Proven analytical skills to manage complex data and make informed decisions.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis).
  
  

Preferred

• Experience in warehouse or distribution center management environments.
• Prior leadership or mentorship experience, with an eye toward organizational development.
  
  

Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Vision
• Negotiation & Influence
• Self-Motivation & Accountability
• Financial & Inventory Analysis
• Vendor & Contract Management
• Leadership Development Orientation
• Collaboration & Communication