Purchasing Coordinator

Job description:Operations / Purchasing CoordinatorLocation: Irvine, CaliforniaIndustry: Interiorscaping | Horticulture | Interior Design | Commercial LandscapingPosition Type: Full-TimeAbout the OpportunityOur client, is an established and highly regarded interior plantscaping and design company serving commercial and residential clients throughout Southern California.We are seeking an experienced Operations / Purchasing Coordinator who understands the fast-paced, detail-driven nature of a design, horticulture, landscaping, interiorscaping, or project-based installation environment.This is not simply an administrative purchasing position. The ideal candidate will play a key role in coordinating purchasing, vendors, materials, scheduling, warehouse activities, production, and installations, ensuring projects move efficiently from planning through completion.Key ResponsibilitiesCoordinate purchasing activities for plants, containers, materials, supplies, and other project-related products.Manage purchase orders and ensure materials are ordered accurately and received according to project timelines.Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, nurseries, suppliers, manufacturers, and other vendors.Coordinate closely with the Operations Manager, Design/Sales team, warehouse personnel, and installation crews.Review upcoming projects and proactively identify purchasing and material requirements.Track orders, deliveries, backorders, substitutions, and lead times to prevent project delays.Coordinate installation schedules based on product availability, project deadlines, and operational capacity.Support warehouse and production planning to ensure materials are properly staged and ready for installation.Verify pricing, quantities, product specifications, and purchasing documentation for accuracy.Assist with inventory management and product availability.Communicate with vendors regarding pricing, availability, quality concerns, delivery schedules, and product substitutions.Help ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget.Maintain accurate purchasing, vendor, project, and operational records.Identify opportunities to improve purchasing procedures, vendor performance, workflow, and overall operational efficiency.Assist with resolving purchasing, delivery, inventory, or installation issues as they arise.Ideal Industry BackgroundIndustry experience is strongly preferred. We are particularly interested in candidates who have worked within:Interior plantscaping / interiorscapingCommercial landscapingHorticulture or nursery operationsPlant or floral wholesale/distributionInterior design or design showroomsArchitectural or decorative productsCommercial furniture or furnishingsHospitality designConstruction-related purchasing or project coordinationOther project-based environments involving purchasing + materials + warehouse + installationCandidates who understand how materials must be sourced, purchased, received, staged, and coordinated around an installation schedule will be especially well suited for this position.QualificationsPrevious experience in purchasing, procurement, operations coordination, production coordination, or project coordination.Experience within interiorscaping, landscaping, horticulture, interior design, or a related industry is highly preferred.Strong vendor management and purchasing experience.Ability to manage multiple projects, purchase orders, deadlines, and changing priorities simultaneously.Strong understanding of lead times, inventory, purchasing accuracy, and project deadlines.Excellent organizational and follow-through skills.Strong written and verbal communication skills.High level of attention to detail and accuracy.Comfortable working closely with warehouse, installation, design, sales, and operations teams.Proficiency with Excel, QuickBooks, CRM platforms, and other business systems.Ability to anticipate problems and take action before they impact project timelines.Horticulture or plant knowledge is highly desirable.The Ideal CandidateThe right person is a proactive operational thinker who enjoys keeping many moving pieces organized.You may currently be working as a:Purchasing Coordinator | Procurement Coordinator | Operations Coordinator | Project Coordinator | Purchasing Specialist | Procurement Specialist | Installation Coordinator | Production Coordinator | Materials Coordinator | Vendor Coordinator | Design Operations CoordinatorYou understand that successful purchasing goes beyond placing orders—you are constantly thinking about availability, lead times, cost, quality, delivery, installation schedules, and what the operations team will need next.You are resourceful, accountable, detail-oriented, and comfortable communicating with vendors and internal teams to keep projects moving.What Will Make You Stand OutDirect experience with an interiorscape, landscape, horticulture, nursery, interior design, or installation-based company.Existing knowledge of plants, containers, decorative materials, growers, nurseries, or related suppliers.Experience purchasing products with varying availability and lead times.Experience coordinating between Sales/Design → Purchasing → Warehouse → Installation.Strong vendor relationships and negotiation skills.Experience supporting multiple simultaneous client projects.A strong sense of urgency combined with exceptional attention to detail.This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining purchasing, project coordination, vendor management, and operations within a creative, design-focused organization.Benefits:401(k)Dental insuranceHealth insurancePaid time offVision insurance