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Job #:  309944
Title:  Buyer/Purchasing Agent
Location:  Houston, TX
Salary Range:  $65000-$70000
Position:  Clerk / Purchasing
Description: 
Buyer / Purchasing Agent (Industrial Distribution)
Houston, TX | Temp-to-Hire | $65,000–$70,000+ DOE
Lofton Staffing – Industrial Supply Opportunity

Job Overview

Lofton Staffing is hiring a Buyer / Purchasing Agent for a temp-to-hire industrial distribution role in Houston. This position is responsible for purchasing MRO, industrial supply, and wholesale distribution products, managing vendor relationships, and supporting inventory availability, pricing accuracy, and margin performance.
This role is best suited for candidates with industrial distribution purchasing experience (not manufacturing procurement). Experience in SKU-heavy environments, fast-moving inventory, and vendor negotiation is strongly preferred.
Keywords: Buyer, Purchasing Agent, Industrial Buyer, MRO Buyer, Inventory Buyer, Supply Chain, Procurement, Distribution Purchasing

Responsibilities

  • Purchase industrial supply and MRO products in a high-SKU distribution environment
  • Manage purchase orders from issuance through delivery and receipt
  • Maintain optimal inventory levels based on demand, turns, and usage trends
  • Analyze pricing, cost changes, and product margins
  • Negotiate pricing, terms, and lead times with suppliers
  • Monitor vendor performance and resolve purchasing discrepancies
  • Expedite orders and manage backorders to ensure product availability
  • Work with ERP systems to maintain accurate purchasing and inventory data
  • Partner with sales, warehouse, and operations teams to support demand
  • Identify opportunities to improve inventory turns, cost savings, and profitability
  • Support continuous improvement in purchasing processes and vendor strategy

Required Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience as a Buyer, Purchasing Agent, or similar role
  • Industrial distribution / wholesale distribution experience strongly preferred
  • Background in MRO, fasteners, safety, electrical, PVF, or industrial supply products
  • Experience managing SKU-based inventory environments
  • Strong understanding of margins, pricing, and cost analysis
  • ERP system experience required (any major system)
  • Advanced Excel and analytical skills
  • Strong vendor communication and negotiation skills
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced distribution environment

Preferred Experience (Highly Desired)

  • Industrial supply distributors such as:
    • MRO supply
    • Fastener distribution
    • Safety/PPE distribution
    • Electrical supply distribution
    • PVF (pipe, valve, fittings) distribution
  • Branch-based or warehouse-supported purchasing environment
  • Experience improving inventory turns and supplier performance
  • Exposure to pricing strategy or margin optimization

Compensation & Details

  • $65,000–$70,000+ DOE
  • Temp-to-hire with long-term opportunity
  • Monday–Friday schedule
  • Full-time position
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Requirements: 
Job Type:  Temp to Hire
Post Date:  05/15/2026