Purchasing & Logistics Manager at Athena… · Jacksonvi…

About Athena Security

Athena Security is a technology company developing AI-powered security solutions for concealed weapons detection, visitor management, and integrated security operations. Our platform combines advanced detection hardware, computer vision and AI, cloud-based SaaS, and security workflows to help organizations improve threat detection and response.

Athena's technology is deployed across high-security environments including schools, healthcare facilities, casinos, commercial enterprises, and other large organizations where security, reliability, and operational efficiency are critical.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit Athena Security Careers page, navigate to the Careers section, and submit your resume.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day purchasing activities, including purchase orders, vendor communications, order confirmations, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate procurement of security screening equipment, electronic components, replacement parts, and operational supplies.
• Manage purchasing relationships with domestic and international suppliers, including hardware partners.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations, negotiate pricing and terms, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Monitor inventory levels, sales forecasts, and anticipated demand to proactively schedule purchases and prevent shortages.
• Track open purchase orders, manufacturing lead times, and supplier delivery commitments.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, documentation, approvals, and financial records.
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency, supplier performance, and procurement processes.

International & Domestic Logistics

• Manage international shipments from hardware partners to U.S. facilities, customers, and other destinations as required.
• Coordinate ocean freight, air freight, domestic transportation, and final-mile deliveries.
• Work directly with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and hardware partners to ensure timely shipment and delivery.
• Coordinate import documentation, customs clearance, duties, tariffs, and applicable regulatory requirements, including FDA-related import requirements where applicable.
• Evaluate freight quotations, compare transportation options, and optimize shipping costs without compromising reliability or delivery requirements.
• Proactively monitor shipments, identify potential delays, and resolve transportation or customs-related issues.
• Coordinate transportation of large, heavy, and sensitive technical equipment requiring specialized handling, packaging, and delivery arrangements.
• Ensure shipping documentation, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, insurance records, and proof of delivery, is properly maintained.
• Manage freight claims, shipment discrepancies, damaged goods, and transportation-related vendor disputes.
• Coordinate outbound shipments, customer deliveries, product returns, and equipment movements for demonstrations and events.

Inventory & Operational Coordination

• Work closely with Warehouse, Quality Assurance, Sales, Finance, and Technical Support to coordinate inventory requirements and equipment availability.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, shipment, and inventory transaction records within company systems.
• Coordinate inbound shipments with warehouse personnel to ensure timely receiving, inspection, and inventory updates.
• Support serialized inventory tracking, inventory reconciliation, and product allocation.
• Coordinate equipment availability and shipment readiness with QA and technical teams.
• Monitor product availability against customer orders, sales forecasts, and deployment schedules.
• Support inventory management improvements, barcode tracking, and ERP/system integration initiatives.
• Identify and resolve inventory discrepancies, purchasing delays, and logistics bottlenecks.

Vendor Management & Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and transportation providers.
• Evaluate vendors based on pricing, reliability, quality, responsiveness, and delivery performance.
• Establish and maintain purchasing and logistics standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Track key performance indicators, including purchasing lead times, on-time deliveries, freight costs, inventory accuracy, and supplier performance.
• Identify opportunities to automate workflows, improve reporting, reduce costs, and eliminate unnecessary manual processes.
• Provide regular updates to leadership regarding purchasing activity, shipping schedules, supply chain risks, and anticipated operational needs.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of directly relevant experience in purchasing, procurement, logistics, or supply chain management, with demonstrated responsibility for both purchasing and logistics functions.
• At least 2 years of experience managing international freight and import logistics, including customs clearance coordination.
• Proven experience managing purchase orders, supplier relationships, inventory replenishment, and delivery schedules.
• Hands-on experience coordinating ocean freight, air freight, freight forwarding, and domestic transportation.
• Working knowledge of U.S. import processes, customs documentation, duties, and international shipping requirements.
• Experience negotiating vendor pricing, comparing freight quotations, and managing transportation costs.
• Proficiency with inventory management systems, ERP platforms, purchasing software, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple shipments, purchase orders, and competing deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot supply chain challenges and resolve problems with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to coordinate effectively with international vendors.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly regarding inventory records, purchasing documentation, and shipment accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, logistics, or supply chain operations.
• Experience purchasing products from hardware partners and coordinating international shipments to the U.S.
• Experience with electronics, industrial equipment, security technology, or other technical hardware products.
• Familiarity with FDA-regulated equipment imports or other regulated technology products.
• Experience shipping large, heavy, or sensitive equipment.
• Experience with Salesforce, Zoho Inventory, QuickBooks, or similar business systems.
• Experience implementing or improving inventory management, barcode scanning, or ERP processes.
• Knowledge of international commercial terms (Incoterms), landed-cost calculations, tariff classifications, and customs brokerage procedures.
• Experience working in a growing company where purchasing and logistics processes are evolving.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related discipline. Equivalent professional experience will be considered.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:

• Maintain reliable purchasing and replenishment schedules that prevent unnecessary inventory shortages.
• Ensure international and domestic shipments are coordinated proactively, with minimal unexpected delays or last-minute expedited freight expenses.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, inventory, and shipment documentation.
• Provide clear visibility into open orders, shipment status, expected delivery dates, and supply chain risks.
• Build reliable relationships with vendors, freight forwarders, and internal stakeholders.
• Develop scalable purchasing and logistics processes that support Athena Security's continued growth.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced, detail-oriented purchasing and logistics professional who understands that successful supply chain management requires proactive planning, strong vendor relationships, accurate information, and consistent follow-through.

We are looking for someone who takes ownership, anticipates problems before they escalate, communicates clearly, and can independently manage purchasing and logistics operations in a fast-paced technology environment.

Candidates must have demonstrated, hands-on purchasing and logistics experience. Experience with international shipments and import coordination is essential.

Compensation: Annual salary range of $80,000–$120,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Location: This is an in-person position based in Jacksonville, Florida.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance

Work Location: In person