Technical Buyer - Strategic Sourcing & Inventory Optimization

The System's Depot distributes security, fire, access control, surveillance, low-voltage and related products to integrators and contractors. We serve customers from six branches: Hickory, NC (corporate), Fayetteville, NC, Duluth, GA, Jacksonville, FL, Winter Park, FL, and Sacramento, CA. We make sure our customers have the right parts on the shelf when they need them, and we are looking for someone who can help us buy smarter, manage suppliers well, and turn inventory into stronger business results. The Role The Technical Buyer owns strategic sourcing, vendor relationships, and purchasing support for key product categories across the business. This role partners with Sales, Purchasing, Operations, and branch teams to improve product availability, cost, vendor terms, and profitability. This person also helps identify and move excess, slow-moving, and dead inventory so existing stock is converted back into usable cash rather than simply reported on. What You’ll Do ▪ Source low-voltage, security, fire, access control, surveillance, and related products from qualified manufacturers and distributors. ▪ Build strong vendor relationships and negotiate cost, freight, payment terms, rebates, price protection, stock rotation, returns, and special pricing. ▪ Evaluate vendor programs and determine whether they truly benefit the business financially. ▪ Work with Sales and branch teams to understand upcoming projects, customer demand, and product needs. ▪ Support Purchasing with sourcing alternatives, substitutions, lead-time solutions, and better buying decisions. ▪ Help align buyers so existing company inventory is considered before additional purchase orders are placed. ▪ Review supplier pricing, lead times, and service performance and hold vendors accountable to commitments. ▪ Identify discontinued or transitioning product lines and proactively manage sourcing and inventory strategy. Inventory Optimization / Dead Stock Movement ▪ Actively identify slow-moving, excess, aged, and obsolete inventory across all locations. ▪ Develop action plans to move dead stock through branch transfers, vendor returns, sales promotions, substitutions, project opportunities, or liquidation. ▪ Negotiate return authorizations, restocking terms, credits, and stock rotation opportunities with suppliers. ▪ Work with Sales to find customers or jobs that can utilize existing inventory before new product is purchased. ▪ Review non-stock and special-order items remaining on hand and determine proper disposition. ▪ Track inventory reduction efforts and measure dollars of dead inventory converted back to cash. ▪ Help correct purchasing behaviors that contribute to excess inventory. What We’re Looking For ▪ 3+ years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, vendor management, or technical distribution. ▪ Strong knowledge of low-voltage, security, fire, access control, surveillance, or electrical distribution products. ▪ Experience with vendor negotiations, sourcing alternatives, and manufacturer relationships. ▪ Strong analytical skills and comfort working with pricing, inventory, and purchasing data. ▪ Ability to work with Sales, Purchasing, and branch staff and influence decisions through facts and follow-through. ▪ Organized and detail-oriented, with a bias toward action. ▪ Experience with ERP systems and strong Excel skills. Nice to Have ▪ Acumatica ERP experience ▪ Multi-branch inventory or distribution experience ▪ Experience with rebates, vendor programs, and return strategies ▪ Background in security, fire alarm, low-voltage, or electrical distribution What We Offer ▪ A key role with direct influence on margin, inventory, and working capital ▪ A growing company that values initiative and practical problem solving Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: In person

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