Director of Supply Chain & Inventory

About the Company

Johnstone Supply - The Founders Group is a family-owned wholesale distributor, now in its third generation, serving the heating, cooling, and refrigeration industry. Operating across six states, it is among the largest HVAC/R distributors in the country. The company supports customers with strong service, technical guidance, training seminars, and a catalog of more than 80,000 parts, supplies, and equipment available in both digital and online formats. Its mission is centered on helping communities stay safe and comfortable.

Role Overview

This position offers the opportunity to lead supply chain and inventory operations across all branch locations. The Director is accountable for shaping purchasing and replenishment strategy, improving inventory investment, strengthening product availability, and supporting both profitability and customer service. The role also involves guiding purchasing and inventory teams, building vendor partnerships, and working closely with branch, sales, operations, warehouse, accounting, and senior leadership teams to keep supply chain activity aligned with business goals and customer demand.

Work Schedule

This is an exempt, onsite role. The schedule generally requires more than eight hours per day, Monday through Friday, depending on business needs. A full workday is considered 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and full-time exempt employees are expected to work at least 40 hours each week.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct purchasing, inventory control, and replenishment activities across all branch locations in support of sales, service, and profitability objectives.
• Build and maintain supply chain and inventory strategies that keep stock levels balanced while protecting inventory investment.
• Set and monitor ordering rules, replenishment settings, and buying practices to improve accuracy, efficiency, and service performance.
• Review inventory patterns, turnover, stocking levels, and service results to spot gaps and drive corrective actions.
• Manage branch-level inventory processes so records remain accurate and up to date throughout the organization.
• Lead seasonal and pre-season buying plans to align inventory with expected demand and business priorities.
• Track vendor pricing, market shifts, and special purchase opportunities to improve buying value and support procurement goals.
• Handle excess, slow-moving, and obsolete stock through buybacks, redistribution, vendor returns, and other reduction methods.
• Work with branch leaders and operations teams to assess order-as-needed items and determine the right stocking approach.
• Prepare recommendations and action steps for slow inventory, stock optimization, and inventory reduction efforts.
• Oversee replenishment and inventory management for consignment warehouse sites.
• Ensure required inventory reporting is completed, including oversight of annual hazardous material reporting for branch operations.
• Coordinate with branches, sales, operations, warehouse, and accounting teams to resolve purchasing and supply chain issues.
• Coach, mentor, and manage purchasing staff by setting goals, encouraging accountability, and supporting professional development.
• Improve purchasing workflows through continuous improvement efforts that increase efficiency and inventory performance.
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers to support service levels, availability, and strategic purchasing efforts.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in purchasing, inventory management, or supply chain work within a multi-branch distribution setting.
• Previous management or leadership experience is required, including supervision and development of purchasing or inventory staff.
• Background in inventory performance management, replenishment systems, vendor relations, and supply chain operations is preferred.
• Solid knowledge of supply chain, purchasing, inventory control, and replenishment practices in a distribution environment.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop strong-performing teams.
• Capability to review inventory data, trends, and operational metrics to support decisions and improvement efforts.
• Strong understanding of procurement methods, inventory optimization, and service-level management in a multi-branch business.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, multiple deadlines, and a fast-moving operational workload.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to identify issues and implement practical solutions.
• Well-developed organizational skills, including maintaining accurate records, processes, and documentation.
• Effective communication skills for interaction with all levels of the organization, vendors, and outside partners.
• Ability to build cooperative relationships across departments and lead cross-functional efforts.
• Professional judgment, tact, and diplomacy when dealing with employees, customers, and suppliers.
• Commitment to high standards of internal and external customer service.
• Ability to handle confidential information and sensitive business matters appropriately.

Competency Profile

• Strong command of supply chain and inventory management, including planning, replenishment, and procurement.
• Leadership that promotes accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and high performance.
• Analytical and strategic thinking to interpret data, spot opportunities, and guide business decisions.
• Clear communication and collaboration across branches, vendors, operations, sales, and leadership.
• Operational excellence with strong organization, prioritization, and problem-solving in a fast-paced distribution environment.

Attendance and Employment Details

All employees are expected to meet company attendance standards. Some roles may require different attendance expectations to meet essential job duties. This position is classified as exempt under wage and hour rules.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive pay and a work/life balance are highlighted as part of the opportunity, along with being part of a winning team. Competitive benefits are also mentioned, though specific benefits are not detailed.