Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Lead

Company: Thruway Fasteners
Location: North Tonawanda
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Thruway Fasteners, Inc. is one of the leading distributors of industrial products, supplying hundreds of original equipment manufacturers in 40 states and 28 countries. We help customers increase efficiency, drive growth, and rapidly respond to unique business challenges and opportunities. Thruway utilizes custom technology applications and vast industry specific knowledge to develop unique and flexible product management solutions. Headquartered in North Tonawanda, NY, Thruway has six branch locations across New York, Pennsylvania and Georgia. POSITION SUMMARY: Individual will be the “public face” of Thruway at our Key Customers’ locations and an extension of our distribution branch. This position is cross-functional and can back up other VMI and/or warehouse associates. • Consistently maintain strong attendance and presence within customer facility. • Safely operate Thruway vehicles and maintain a clean driving record. • Proactively communicate customer satisfaction, product delivery or quality via phone, text or email ASAP to Thruway support staff • Always put forth a professional demeanor and appearance while on the job. • Create a positive rapport with customers. • Bring to work each day a drive and desire to improve, and a goal to make the program you are overseeing the very best it can be. • Solve problems, offer guidance and know when to share information gathered at customer facility with Sales, Management and other Thruway staff as needed to ensure customer satisfaction. • Safe operation of all equipment is the top priority of this position. Employee will follow all Customer and Thruway Inc. safety requirements, defaulting to the more stringent requirements. • Deliver / offload / receive inventory to Customer locations and manage stocked goods (re-ordering thru scanning, and re-stocking) within a secured location for seamless replenishment within the Customer facility. • Evaluate consumption for re-order and work with customers to approve and adjust inventory levels to ensure optimum Thruway efficiency and Customer satisfaction. • Quality Control: Ensure all orders are correct to customers’ sizes and specifications (Measure if required) check fit-form-function. Check quantity and quality of product as delivered to assure defects-free. If defect or issue found, communicate to Thruway Sales before refilling stock. • Periodically meet with Supplier Quality Engineers (SQE), Line Supervisors and Plant Operations Managers to assure program and perceptions of the program are running efficiently. • Interact daily with Line personnel to identify product demand change and react accordingly. • Interact daily with Thruway personnel (phone, email, in person) to communicate requirements of plant location and obtain the necessary product and support to ensure customer satisfaction. • Prepare for and take physical inventory at consignment locations. • Remove all trash and cardboard from Thruway stock locations. • Maintain 5S (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) principals within program to enhance cleanliness and organization in all areas. Maintain VMI inspection ready to Customer and Thruway Management highest expectation. • Through communication, decisions, self-starter and behavior by example, create a culture that works together to exceed customers’ expectations and places Thruway as “Trusted Advisors”. REQUIRED COMMUNICATION SKILLS: This Individual must possess a positive attitude and excellent communication skills that will allow for constant interaction with a cross section of Customer and Thruway staff and functions from various departments. Must possess: • Proficiency with Thruway ERP/CRM systems (GP, C-Pro, SalesPad, JLan, and Intranet) • Excellent reading comprehension skills • Be a great team player willing to help others as needed KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: • Maintain a valid driver’s license and ability to drive Thruway’s vehicle to deliver product to Customer facilities. • Load and unload shipments • Excellent Judgment and quick decision-making ability • Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills • Demonstrated integrity and ethical standards • Demonstrated success managing inventory • Strong project management and multi-tasking skills • Excellent written, listening, verbal and interpersonal communication skills • Able to implement branch and company improvement initiatives • Strong working knowledge of customer products • Safely operate Forklift, Pallet Jack, or other Heavy equipment as required • Able to work long hours on your feet • Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy • Ability to safely lift 50 lb. boxes WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS : While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand. The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and to climb or balance. The employee is required to lift, walk, reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk or hear The employee must regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus Sitting/Driving 25% of time, standing and movement 75% of time Employee must wear a Thruway provided VMI shirt and required PPE (personal protective equipment) at all times while on-site at customer locations This position may require the employee to provide VMI services for multiple branch customers TRAVEL: The majority of the time will be spent onsite at the Customer manufacturing facility and traveling between Thruway and customer location via delivery truck. Occasional work at other Thruway facilities or customer locations may be required. Job Type: Full-time Schedule: Monday-Friday Day shift Location: Buffalo, NY Thruway Fasteners offers a comprehensive benefit program for eligible employees including; medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability plans, accident protection, critical illness, legal shield/ID shield plans, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. Thruway Fasteners, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to engaging a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. The chosen candidate must successfully pass pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Keywords: Thruway Fasteners, Irondequoit , Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Lead, Customer Service & Call Center , North Tonawanda, New York