Purchasing Specialist Fabric

Purchasing Specialists (Fabrics) are responsible for planning, ordering and managing shipments of fabrics. This position ensures timely delivery of fabrics to service customer requirements, while following company guidelines on inventory levels and values. The position supports the company’s strategic objectives through critical interactions with stakeholders across the organization and our retail partners.

 Job Responsibilities:

• Analyze historical customer orders, sales trends, and inventory levels of a wide range of fabrics to optimize purchasing needs
• Interface with other key departments (Product Development, Sales, Scheduling and Manufacturing) to understand current and future business needs as they apply to fabric requirements
• Issue, monitor and manage purchase orders to domestic and international suppliers in accordance with business/inventory level needs and established company guidelines/budgets
• Plan release schedules with suppliers to arrange, expedite or delay fabric production and shipments of fabric purchase orders
• Ensure current fabric inventory level status and availability are available and visible to relevant departments (including Sales, Customer Service and Scheduling teams)
• Partner with logistics and inventory teams to coordinate, track and ensure on-time delivery of incoming fabric shipments to optimize fabric stock levels
• Interfaces with the Quality Control team to assist in addressing material non-conformance issues with suppliers
• Communicate with the Accounting team to ensure accuracy and work with suppliers to resolve discrepancies
• Builds and maintains positive, long-term supplier relationships
• Evaluates supplier performance, pricing contracts, and lead times to ensure accuracy and cost-effectiveness
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing and Product Development teams to support sample development, new product launches, and marketing tools as it relates to fabric requirements
• Attends key retailer/customer preparation calls with internal Sales and Customer Service teams to report and answer questions on the status of fabric inventory availability  
• Supports management in identifying and recommending potential improvements in purchasing processes

Qualifications (Experience/Education):

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, procurement, or a related field preferred 
• 2+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience, preferably within textiles, upholstery, or furniture manufacturing preferred
• Experience working with domestic and international suppliers, including managing lead times, contracts, and logistics
• Background in forecasting, demand planning, or inventory management ideal
• Proficiency with ERP or MRP systems for purchasing and inventory control
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills for tracking orders, usage trends, and cost comparisons
• Knowledge of import/export regulations and logistics coordination
• Familiarity with quality control processes and handling supplier non-conformance
• Strong analytical skills to interpret order history, sales trends, and inventory needs
• Ability to negotiate pricing and contracts with suppliers
• Effective cross-functional collaboration with other internal departments
• Strong attention to detail for order accuracy and discrepancy resolution
• Understanding of fabric classifications, textile terminology, and usage in upholstery preferred
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) for internal coordination and supplier interactions
• Strong problem-solving skills, especially in addressing delivery delays or quality issues
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment
• Relationship-building and long-term supplier management focus
• Proactive mindset, with a continuous improvement orientation in purchasing processes