Wholesale Nursery Procurement Specialist

Wholesale Nursery Procurement Specialist Cox Cactus Farm | North Phoenix, Arizona Cox Cactus Farm is a fast-growing wholesale nursery in North Phoenix providing quality plant material and exceptional customer service to landscape contractors and nurseries throughout Arizona. We are seeking a Wholesale Nursery Procurement Specialist to manage purchasing and sourcing across our growing operation. Position Summary The Procurement Specialist is responsible for domestic and international purchasing, vendor management, inventory planning, cost control, and product availability. A significant part of this role involves sourcing products internationally, particularly from China. Key imported categories include bamboo stakes, nursery pots and containers, shade cloth, and greenhouse plastic. Domestic purchasing includes plant material, liners, tree stakes, mulch, and other nursery and operational supplies. The ideal candidate is a strong negotiator and problem solver who can identify sourcing opportunities, develop reliable suppliers, improve purchasing processes, control costs, and independently manage procurement activities from initial sourcing through final delivery. Key Responsibilities Purchasing & Sourcing Manage domestic and international purchasing for Cox Cactus Farm. Source, evaluate, and negotiate with manufacturers, growers, suppliers, brokers, and sourcing agents. Lead international sourcing efforts, particularly with manufacturers and suppliers in China. Evaluate purchasing decisions based on price, quality, lead time, minimum order quantities, reliability, and total delivered cost. Negotiate pricing, terms, quantities, and delivery schedules. Identify cost-saving and alternative sourcing opportunities. Purchase Order & Delivery Management Manage the complete purchasing process, from initial vendor inquiries and price comparisons through purchase order placement, shipment tracking, and final delivery. Prepare, maintain, and track purchase orders to ensure accuracy and timely fulfillment. Coordinate with vendors, freight providers, and internal departments to monitor shipments and delivery schedules. Proactively identify and resolve order discrepancies, shipping delays, shortages, and quality concerns. Maintain clear records of outstanding orders, expected arrival dates, and completed deliveries. Follow through on purchasing activities independently, ensuring issues are resolved without unnecessary escalation. Inventory & Vendor Management Monitor inventory and coordinate replenishment based on production and sales needs. Maintain strong supplier relationships and identify backup or alternative suppliers when appropriate. Monitor vendor performance for quality, reliability, pricing, and fulfillment. Coordinate with sales and operations to ensure product availability and support special-order sourcing. Resolve supplier, delivery, and quality issues as needed. Purchasing Efficiency & Systems Management Develop and implement efficient purchasing procedures that streamline vendor communication, price comparisons, inventory tracking, and order management. Utilize technology and communication tools, including organized vendor contact lists and blind-copy (BCC) email distribution, to efficiently request pricing and availability from multiple suppliers. Build, maintain, and improve Excel spreadsheets and inventory databases to track product availability, purchasing history, vendor pricing, lead times, and inventory levels. Create organized systems for comparing supplier quotes, tracking outstanding purchase orders, and monitoring purchasing activity. Identify opportunities to automate repetitive tasks, reduce manual processes, and improve purchasing accuracy and efficiency. Maintain accurate, accessible, and up-to-date purchasing and inventory information for management and operational planning. Cost Control & Planning Track purchasing costs and identify opportunities to improve margins and purchasing efficiency. Maintain accurate…

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