Purchasing And Inventory Specialist

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

The Purchasing and Inventory Specialist under general supervision, perform technical and administrative work related to planning, purchase, and maintenance of complex materials commodities for inventory utilized in daily utility operations. Working knowledge of forecasting strategies and methods of inventory control are required. In this position, you will review and analyze material demand, be responsible for inventory procurement and ensuring system data integrity in support of the Utility's operational warehouses. Maintaining appropriate inventory levels ensures that the materials are available for City Light Crews to do their work. Controllers are assigned groups of commodities and work directly with vendors, warehouse staff, engineers, crews and shops. If you have a mix of skills, including strong communication skills and an ability to be flexible with changing requirements, this position is for you. The Purchasing and Inventory Specialist will report to the Supply Chain – Material Control Manager.

Here is more about what you’ll be doing:

• Perform other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.
• Monitors supplier performance resolves supply problems, and documents problems in delivery and quality with respect to vendors and suppliers.
• Monitor turn rates while understanding that this is a risk-adverse entity which does not tolerate material outages well. Review stock material for obsolescence or refurbishment and update warehouse records.
• Working knowledge of forecasting strategies and methods of inventory control are required.
• Analyze inventory and usage of non-routine, complex, and stocked materials to determine minimum stock required and coordinate reorders of such materials to ensure availability of materials as needed.
• Operate within the framework of a publicly owned entity which can have different requirements from private-sector companies.
• Maintain inventory records, retain correct manufacturer data, link to Material Standards as required and ensure correct item descriptions.
• Prepares purchase orders based upon specifications and requirements, soliciting for quotes as required.

Required Qualifications: In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:
A minimum of three years of experience in material demand planning, purchasing, as well as maintenance of stocking parameters or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.
Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking, communication, collaboration, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• In depth knowledge of ERP systems and Supply Chain business processes; knowledgeable on the procure to pay process.
• Works collaboratively with others.
• Flexibility and adaptability to evolving priorities while working in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and show unique attention to detail and work in a fast-paced work environment
• Team player who will go to great lengths to ensure success for the department and City Light.
• Holds self personally accountable to meet or exceed team expectations.
• Intermediate skillset in the use of Microsoft Office Suite of Applications with advanced Excel preferred.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication.

.Application Process
Please submit the following with your online application:

• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.
• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.