Director of Supply Chain & Inventory

About the Company

Johnstone Supply - The Founders Group is a family-run wholesale distributor with three generations of ownership, serving the heating, cooling, and refrigeration industry. Operating in six states, the company is among the largest HVAC/R distributors in the U.S. It supports customers through strong service, technical guidance, and training seminars, along with a widely respected catalog of more than 80,000 parts, supplies, and equipment items. Its mission is centered on helping communities stay safe and comfortable.

Role Summary

The Director of Supply Chain and Inventory will provide strategic direction for purchasing, inventory control, replenishment, and broader supply chain activities across all branch sites. The position focuses on improving inventory investment, product availability, buying practices, and operating efficiency while helping the business meet profitability and service targets. The role also includes leading purchasing and inventory teams, driving process improvements, managing supplier partnerships, and working closely with branch, sales, operations, and senior leaders to align supply chain plans with business goals and customer needs.

Work Schedule

This is an exempt, onsite role. The schedule generally requires more than eight hours per day, Monday through Friday, based on business requirements. A standard full workday is considered 7:30am to 5:00pm, 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 branches to support service, sales, and profitability objectives.
• Create and maintain supply chain and inventory strategies that balance product availability with healthy inventory investment.
• Set and monitor ordering rules, replenishment settings, and purchasing practices to improve accuracy, efficiency, and service levels.
• Review inventory trends, turns, stocking patterns, and service results to spot opportunities and put corrective actions in place.
• Manage branch inventory processes so records remain accurate and up to date throughout the organization.
• Guide the planning and execution of seasonal and pre-season buying programs to match expected demand and company goals.
• Track vendor pricing, market movement, and special buying opportunities to strengthen procurement value.
• 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 define stocking approaches based on demand and performance.
• Recommend actions for slow-moving stock, inventory optimization, and reduction initiatives.
• Oversee inventory and replenishment work for consignment warehouse sites.
• Ensure required inventory reporting is completed, including annual hazardous material reporting for branch operations.
• Partner with branches, sales, operations, warehouse, and accounting teams to resolve purchasing and supply chain issues.
• Develop, coach, and manage purchasing staff by setting clear expectations, reinforcing accountability, and supporting professional growth.
• Evaluate purchasing workflows and introduce improvement efforts that boost efficiency and inventory performance.
• Maintain productive supplier relationships that support service expectations, availability, and strategic buying goals.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in purchasing, inventory management, or supply chain work in a multi-branch distribution setting.
• Previous leadership or management experience is required, including direct supervision and development of purchasing or inventory staff.
• Experience with inventory performance, replenishment systems, supplier management, and supply chain operations is preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of supply chain, procurement, inventory control, and replenishment principles in a distribution environment.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams.
• Ability to interpret inventory data, trends, and operational metrics to support business decisions and improvement plans.
• Solid understanding of procurement, inventory optimization, and service-level management in a multi-branch operation.
• Ability to manage priorities, handle several deadlines, and stay effective in a fast-moving environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to identify issues and implement practical solutions.
• Well-developed organizational habits, with the ability to keep processes, records, and documentation accurate.
• Effective communication skills for professional interaction with internal teams, vendors, and external partners at all levels.
• Ability to build cooperative relationships across departments and lead cross-functional work.
• Professional judgment, tact, and diplomacy when working with employees, customers, and suppliers.
• Strong commitment to internal and external customer service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive business information appropriately.

Competencies

• Supply chain and inventory planning
• Leadership and team development
• Analytical and strategic thinking
• Cross-functional communication and collaboration
• Operational excellence and problem solving

Additional Information

This is an exempt position. Attendance expectations apply to all employees, though some roles may have different standards depending on business needs. The company notes that full-time exempt employees are expected to work a minimum of 40 hours per week. Competitive benefits are mentioned, but specific benefit details are not provided.