Veteran Firm Seeking a Senior Procurement & Inventory Specialist for an Onsite Assignment in San Diego, CA
My name is Stephen Hrutka, and I lead a Veteran-owned consulting firm in Washington, DC, focused on strategic sourcing, supply chain, and IT Staffing.
We are seeking to fill the Senior Procurement & Inventory Specialist role for an innovative rail engineering solutions provider and systems integrator company.
The ideal candidate is a San Diego resident with 15+ years of deep experience in procurement, supplier negotiations, and inventory management. They are a strong negotiator who consistently drives cost savings, secures favorable contract terms, and holds suppliers accountable. Experience with ERP systems, procurement software, and vendor negotiations are a plus.
If you’re interested, I'll gladly provide more details about the role and further discuss your qualifications.
Thanks,
Stephen M Hrutka
Principal Consultant
Executive Summary: HRUCKUS seeks a Senior Procurement & Inventory Specialist for an onsite role in San Diego, CA. Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, the Specialist will be responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and tracking materials and components to support rail and transportation projects. The role will oversee vendor relationships, manage purchase orders, monitor stock levels, and coordinate closely with engineering and project teams to ensure materials are delivered on time and within budget.
Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:
- Lead procurement activities, from sourcing to final purchasing, with a focus on securing the best value and terms.
- Drive hard, effective negotiations with vendors to optimize pricing, delivery schedules, and service levels.
- Manage supplier performance and hold vendors accountable for quality, delivery, and contractual commitments.
- Oversee inventory control processes, ensuring accurate stock levels, tracking, and reporting through ERP or inventory software.
- Anticipate shortages and proactively mitigate risks by developing alternate sourcing strategies.
- Collaborate with engineering, project managers, and operations teams to forecast material needs and ensure timely fulfillment.
- Conduct regular audits of inventory and procurement records, reconciling discrepancies quickly.
- Create detailed procurement and inventory reports for leadership, highlighting savings opportunities and risks.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and industry best practices.
Position Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 15+ years of progressive experience in procurement, purchasing, or inventory management, ideally in technical, engineering, or rail/transportation industries.
- Proven track record of tough, results-driven supplier negotiations and cost reduction.
- Strong knowledge of ERP and inventory management software.
- Ability to manage multiple suppliers, contracts, and priorities in a high-paced environment.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
- Experience developing procurement strategies that balance cost, quality, and supply reliability.
Position Details:
- This is an onsite role in San Diego, CA.
- Occasional travel to vendor or project sites may be required.
- The employee will primarily work in an office setting but may occasionally visit field or warehouse locations.