Parts and Inventory Specialist - 1st Shift

Position Summary The Garage Parts, Inventory & Purchasing Specialist manages parts procurement, inventory control, receiving, issuing, returns, records, and vendor coordination in support of Bell & Evans transportation operations. The position ensures required parts and supplies are available when needed, purchases remain within approved budgets, records are accurate, and internal and external relationships are handled professionally. 1st Shift Available; Monday - Friday; 7:00am - 3:30pm Essential Duties and Responsibilities Order parts, supplies, and approved services at the best overall value, considering quality, durability, life cycle, and operational needs. Coordinate with the Garage Service Manager to maintain appropriate stocking levels and obtain parts promptly for scheduled and unscheduled repairs. Create purchase orders when orders are placed; verify pricing, quantities, and approvals; ensure purchase order numbers appear on invoices before submission to Accounts Payable. Receive, inspect, stock, stage, issue, and ship parts and tools. Resolve damaged, missing, or incorrect items promptly with suppliers. Maintain accurate parts, vendor, product, purchasing, invoice, and inventory records in Business Central. Organize inventory by part number and bin location, manage physical counts and cycle counts, and investigate discrepancies. Manage warranty claims, cores, returns, obsolete inventory, and manufacturer policies and procedures. Use manufacturer-provided online parts systems and prior work orders to identify part numbers, with minimal technician assistance after the first year. Build and maintain productive vendor relationships, negotiate pricing and terms, and coordinate with Corporate Accounting and Purchasing as needed. Track expenses, monitor department performance and trends, and support operating plans, budgets, cost control, and waste reduction without sacrificing quality. Advise the Garage Service Manager of parts activity, shortages, risks, and trends that may affect garage efficiency. Support shop shipping and receiving, waste-removal documentation, safe material handling, and proper storage practices. Operate a forklift as required to move parts and materials safely. Perform other duties as assigned. Safety, Organization, and Professional Conduct Follow applicable safety requirements and maintain a clean, orderly work area. Promote effective housekeeping and safe work habits among employees. Communicate trends, problems, and operational needs promptly to employees, supervisors, and managers. Demonstrate company values in all interactions with coworkers, customers, and vendors. Protect confidential company information and release it only with proper authorization. Use available training, tools, and resources to support continuous professional development. Key Performance Indicators Inventory accuracy, supported by 100% completion of monthly cycle counts Monthly parts inventory value Monthly value of nonmoving or unused inventory Number of out-of-stock items Additional performance measures established by management Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred. Three to five years of supervisory or management experience preferred. Strong experience in parts, inventory management, and purchasing required. Required Skills and Abilities Ability to read and interpret safety requirements, instructions, policies, and procedure manuals in English. Ability to prepare routine reports and correspondence and communicate effectively with employees, customers, vendors, and management. Working knowledge of basic arithmetic, units of measure, fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, and percentages. Proficiency with computer applications and a willingness to learn Business Central, manufacturer parts catalogs, and vendor software. Strong organization, attention to detail, negotiation, problem-solving, and recordkeeping skills. Licenses and Certifications Valid driver’s license required. Ability and willingness to become qualified to operate a forklift.