Director of Supply Chain & Inventory

Description

Description

Join our team as a Director of Supply Chain & Inventory at Johnstone Supply - The Founders Group

Competitive Pay ** Work/Life-Balance ** Winning Team **

WHO WE ARE -

Johnstone Supply - The Founders Group is a 3rd generation family-owned wholesale distributor for heating, cooling, and refrigeration supplies and equipment. We operate across 6 states as one of the nation's largest HVAC/R distributors. Johnstone Supply offers superior customer service, technical advice and training seminars and features the industry’s most respected catalog (available both digital and online) featuring more than 80,000 quality parts, supplies and equipment. Our purpose is to keep our communities safe & comfortable!

PRIMARY PURPOSE –

The Director of Supply Chain and Inventory provides strategic leadership and oversight of the company’s purchasing, inventory management, replenishment, and supply chain operations across all branch locations. This role is responsible for optimizing inventory investment, product availability, procurement practices, and operational efficiency while supporting company profitability and service goals. The Director leads and develops purchasing and inventory teams, drives continuous improvement initiatives, manages vendor relationships, and collaborates cross-functionally with branch, sales, operations, and senior leadership to align supply chain strategies with organizational objectives and customer demand.

WORK SCHEDULE –

Expectation: Exempt onsite position, requires eight plus hours, Monday through Friday, depending on business needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES –

• Lead and oversee purchasing, inventory management, and replenishment operations for all branch locations to support company service, sales, and profitability goals.
• Develop and maintain effective supply chain and inventory control strategies to ensure optimal product availability and inventory investment across all branches.
• Direct and monitor inventory ordering controls, replenishment parameters, and purchasing practices to improve inventory accuracy, efficiency, and service levels.
• Analyze inventory trends, turns, stocking levels, and service performance to identify opportunities for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee branch inventory management processes, ensuring accurate and current inventory records are maintained throughout the organization.
• Lead the review, planning, and execution of seasonal and pre-season purchasing programs to align inventory levels with projected demand and company objectives.
• Monitor vendor pricing, market conditions, and special buy opportunities to maximize purchasing value and support strategic procurement initiatives.
• Manage the disposition of excess, slow-moving, and obsolete inventory through buybacks, redistribution efforts, vendor returns, and other inventory reduction strategies.
• Partner with branch leadership and operational teams to evaluate “order as needed” items and determine appropriate stocking strategies based on customer demand and inventory performance.
• Provide recommendations and action plans regarding slow-moving inventory, stock optimization, and inventory reduction initiatives.
• Oversee inventory management and replenishment activities for consignment warehouse locations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable inventory-related reporting requirements, including oversight of annual hazardous material reporting for branch operations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with branches, sales, operations, warehouse, and accounting teams to resolve purchasing, inventory, and supply chain issues effectively.
• Develop, mentor, and lead purchasing personnel by establishing performance expectations, promoting accountability, and supporting professional growth and operational excellence within the team.
• Evaluate purchasing processes and implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, inventory performance, and overall supply chain effectiveness.
• Maintain strong vendor and supplier relationships to support service expectations, product availability, and strategic purchasing objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE –

Education and/or Experience

• Minimum of five years of purchasing, inventory management, or supply chain experience within a multi-branch distribution environment.
• Prior leadership or management experience required, including supervision and development of purchasing or inventory personnel.
• Experience managing inventory performance, replenishment systems, vendor relationships, and supply chain operations preferred.
• Job-Specific Knowledge & Skills:
• Strong knowledge of supply chain, purchasing, inventory control, and replenishment principles within a distribution environment.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with experience managing, coaching, and developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to analyze inventory data, trends, and operational metrics to support sound business decisions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of procurement practices, inventory optimization, and service level management in a multi-branch operation.
• Ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to identify operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate processes, records, and documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally across all levels of the organization, vendors, and external business partners.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and professionalism when interacting with employees, customers, and suppliers.
• Commitment to delivering high levels of internal and external customer service.
• Proficient in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive business information appropriately.

Competency Profile:

• Supply Chain & Inventory Management
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of supply chain operations, inventory planning, replenishment strategies, and procurement processes to ensure optimal inventory levels, product availability, and operational efficiency across all branch locations.
• Leadership & Team Development
• Effectively leads, coaches, and develops purchasing personnel by promoting accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and high performance within the department.
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking
• Ability to analyze inventory trends, purchasing data, service levels, and operational metrics to make informed decisions, identify opportunities, and implement effective business solutions.
• Communication & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Builds strong working relationships and communicates effectively with branches, vendors, operations, sales, and leadership teams to support organizational goals and resolve operational challenges.
• Operational Excellence & Problem Solving
• Demonstrates strong organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, improve processes, and drive efficient purchasing and inventory operations in a fast-paced distribution environment.

1. ATTENDANCE - While all employees are expected to comply with company attendance standards, the nature of some positions may require different attendance standards in order to fulfill the essential functions of the job. A full workday is considered to be 7:30am to 5:00pm. All full-time exempt employees are expected to work a minimum of 40 hours per week.

FLSA STATUS - This section identifies whether the position is eligible for overtime pay (Non-Exempt from the wage and hour law) or not eligible for overtime pay (Exempt from the wage and hour law).

Exempt

Competitive Benefits

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE –

Education and/or Experience

• Minimum of five years of purchasing, inventory management, or supply chain experience within a multi-branch distribution environment.
• Prior leadership or management experience required, including supervision and development of purchasing or inventory personnel.
• Experience managing inventory performance, replenishment systems, vendor relationships, and supply chain operations preferred.
• Job-Specific Knowledge & Skills:
• Strong knowledge of supply chain, purchasing, inventory control, and replenishment principles within a distribution environment.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with experience managing, coaching, and developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to analyze inventory data, trends, and operational metrics to support sound business decisions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of procurement practices, inventory optimization, and service level management in a multi-branch operation.
• Ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to identify operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate processes, records, and documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally across all levels of the organization, vendors, and external business partners.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and professionalism when interacting with employees, customers, and suppliers.
• Commitment to delivering high levels of internal and external customer service.
• Proficient in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive business information appropriately.