Supervisor of Inventory Planning and Purchasing at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority – Boston, Massachusetts

The Supervisor of Inventory Planning & Purchasing will manage the planning and purchasing of all inventory materials consistent with the operating needs, quality, and delivery requirements of the Authority.

• Plan, direct and coordinate the activities of inventory buyers, ensuring tasks align with MBTA goals.
• Oversee and manage the procurement of inventory materials, ensuring inventory levels meet demand requirements without overstocking.
• Establish and maintain effective workflow by prioritizing tasks and defining clear objectives.
• Establish regular check-ins with buyers to address priorities, organize tasks and resolve issues.
• Foster open communication and collaboration by conducting regular meetings with internal customers, e.g., bus, rail, and safety teams, to proactively address material needs and concerns.
• Manage backorders by expediting open orders, finding alternative solutions and adjusting Min/Max to reflect forecasted demand and lead times as needed.
• Manage the serialization of new inventory parts through research and input from internal stakeholders.
• Obtain Safety and Environmental approval on safety items before adding into inventory.
• Ensure that the goods received are compliant with MBTA quality standards.
• Work with warehouse team, suppliers and engineering to resolve issues when critical issues on inventory parts arise (e.g., defective part, wrong item, missing components).
• Create and track engineering change requests (ECRs) to initiate engineering support on part obsolescence, proposed modification, or alternative solution.
• Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers.
• Meet regularly with Fairmarkit team to address technical issues and leverage platform in order to improve procurement process, reduce manual work, and promote competitive bidding.
• Approve purchase orders by ensuring PO accuracy and inclusion of required compliance documentation.
• Collaborate with Inventory Program Manager and work with suppliers to resolve escalated problem tracked on system-wide Issues Log.
• Work with Accounting to setup new vendors and resolve invoice discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ensure all purchasing activities comply with MBTA policies, contracts and procedures.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with internal and external customers.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned

Supervision

• Direct supervision of inventory buyers.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Accounting, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in purchasing, including inventory control, contracting procedures, quality assurance, and material distribution/supply efforts.
• Related experience in a managerial, supervisory, and/or leadership capacity.
• Effective organizational, analytical, quantitative, confidentiality, multi-tasking and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel.
• Ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Ability to effectively communicate with regulatory agencies, community organizations and others on technical and sensitive matters.
• Have excellent customer service, conflict resolution and presentation skills.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. Successful applicant must have English language skills required for the effective performance of the position.

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An Associate Degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A Master’s Degree in a related subject substitute for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Practical knowledge of FTA regulations.
• Experience working in a public transit agency.