Purchasing Agent II

There’s a Place for You at Summit Electric Supply.

A career at Summit Electric Supply is more than a job. You’re investing in a brighter, more sustainable future together and joining a team that makes a real difference for our customers. Summit Electric Supply offers electrical products and services to contractors. If it helps bring electricity to an office, home, factory, or other building – you can find it here. We operate throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana and are part of the Sonepar group, the world’s #1 electrical distributor with over 45,000 associates around the globe.

Being “Powered by Difference” means we respect and value diverse perspectives. Within Summit Electric Supply we offer a supportive culture and great benefits, and as part of the larger Sonepar group, we can offer exciting opportunities to grow your career.

Title: Category Buyer

Effective date: 3/24/2024

Customers served (external and internal) Any member of the Summit Team, all Customers, vendors, suppliers, guests, applicants, manufacturer’s representatives and any other members of the public.

Reports To: MRP/Replenishment Manager

Role Summary: Primarily responsible for Buying and Planning at corporate level. Duties include, working closely with vendors and various associates to address product needs. Support other Summit Team members by insuring all products are purchased in a timely manner to meet Customer demands (based on Summit’s SAP system required delivery date). Exceptional service to external and internal customers is critical to the success of a Category Buyer. Additionally, associate must collaborate with Sales Associates, Service Center Managers and Warehouse Associates to maintain levels of excellence throughout Summit. Exceptional service to external and internal Customers is critical to the success of a Summit Buyer/Planner.

Principal Accountabilities : (essential job functions)

• Purchases inventory and assists service centers in achieving established inventory performance targets.
• Evaluate & maintain material purchasing parameters in the MRP.
• Works closely with field sales associates to ensure proper inventory alignment that drives established inventory fill rates and high service levels.
• Researching, selecting, and purchasing quality products and materials for a specific category.
• Building and managing relationships with suppliers and negotiating with them for the best pricing and terms.
• Processing requisitions and updating management on status of orders.
• Updating inventory and material attributes to ensure that stock levels are kept at appropriate service levels.
• Assist with implementing marketing and merchandising plans for the category.
• Analyzing category performance and identifying areas of improvement.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Strong Customer service orientation – both external and internal.
• Take proactive steps to achieve company fill rate goals.
• Keen eye for details, excellent number perception capabilities.
• Must have solid knowledge/experience of other key roles at Summit such as CSR, Field Sales, Warehouse and Counter.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written.
• Unwavering commitment to Summit values and mission.
• Time Management – strong ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
• Flexibility – ability to effectively adapt to change and thrive in a stimulating, hectic work environment.
• Must thrive in a fast-paced, hectic environment.
• Must be able to perform most other Purchasing Department roles on an as-needed basis.

Beneficial Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Computer Science, Economics, finance, Math, Science or Statistics is preferred.
• 1-2 years previous Purchasing in SAP.
• Intermediate MS Excel
• Purchasing experience in the electrical distribution industry.
• Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision or guidance.
• Familiarity with buying in GAINS.
• EPEC Certification is a strong plus.

Physical Challenges:

• Consistent sitting for many hours at one time. Majority of day (85%+) is spent sitting at desk.
• Must be able to lift 5 pounds on a regular and consistent basis.
• Regular and consistent use of keyboard.
• Ability to climb stairs on occasion.
• Majority of job is located inside store, during regular store hours of operation. Additional challenges may arise, at which time; Summit may revise this job description.

Reporting to the position are: No direct reports

FLSA Status : Exempt

What We Offer You

We offer great family-friendly benefits to full-time associates:

• Healthcare plans

• Dental & vision

• Paid time off

• Paid parental leave

• 401(k) retirement savings with company match

• Professional and personal development programs

• Opportunity to become a shareholder

• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability

• Employer-paid life insurance for spouse and dependents

• Robust wellness program

• Gym reimbursement

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Summit Electric Supply offers tuition reimbursement, and earned wage access.

We’re proud to be a military-friendly company, and our many employee resource groups (ERGs) help you make connections and feel supported.

Learn More About Us

Get to know us on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram and learn how we’re “Powering Progress for Future Generations.”

Learn more at

Summit Electric Supply is part of the Sonepar family of brands:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

Sonepar and our family of brands are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please call 843-745-2420 or email [email protected] .