Purchasing Specialist

About the role

Cooper Consolidated is seeking a Purchasing Specialist to manage inventory control, purchasing, tracking, and storage of consumable supplies and high‑value mechanical and electrical parts. The role supports the company’s midstream stevedoring, barge, marine, and logistics operations along the lower Mississippi River.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure appropriate parts, components, and supplies are available to meet customer needs and service standards.
• Maintain and update the approved vendor list, conduct vendor evaluations, and build strong vendor relationships.
• Place purchase orders, inspect incoming products, and coordinate proper delivery and storage.
• Order and issue safety wear as required.
• Collaborate with accounting for timely vendor payments.
• Perform or supervise physical inventory counts and maintain accurate documentation of inventory locations.
• Prepare and distribute inventory reports, including on‑hand and usage data.
• Identify equipment part requirements, review replacement schedules, and secure necessary parts.
• Assist contractors on projects to ensure required equipment and supplies are on hand.
• Maintain clean inventory areas and perform other duties as assigned.

Required profile

• High school diploma (required); Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience preferred.
• At least one year of purchasing and/or inventory experience in a plant or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Knowledge of equipment parts and ability to operate heavy equipment such as a forklift where applicable.

Required skills

• Forklift operation