Material Expeditor

Job Summary

The Material Expeditor supports the Procurement team by actively monitoring open purchase orders and working with suppliers to ensure material is delivered in time to support production requirements. This position serves as a key link between Buyers, Material Analysts, suppliers, and Logistics to identify potential material shortages, resolve delivery issues, and expedite critical material.

The Material Expeditor is responsible for obtaining and maintaining accurate supplier delivery commitments, following up on past-due and at-risk purchase orders, communicating changes in material availability, and coordinating recovery actions when supplier performance threatens the production schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Monitor open purchase orders and supplier delivery commitments to identify past-due, at-risk, and critical material.

· Contact suppliers routinely to confirm delivery dates and follow up on open purchase orders.

· Maintain accurate supplier promise dates and delivery information within the ERP system and other applicable procurement systems.

· Expedite material based on production requirements, shortage priorities, and direction from Buyers and Material Analysts.

· Identify supplier commitments that do not support production requirements and escalate issues to the appropriate Buyer.

· Work with suppliers to establish recovery plans for late or critical material and track progress through delivery.

· Communicate supplier delivery changes, shortages, and recovery status to Buyers, Material Analysts, and other affected functions.

· Coordinate closely with Material Analysts to understand material priorities and changing production requirements.

· Coordinate with Logistics Supervisors and receiving personnel on critical inbound shipments and expected deliveries.

· Track critical shipments and follow through until material is received when required.

· Assist Buyers with open-order maintenance, supplier follow-up, and resolution of routine purchase-order delivery issues.

· Identify recurring supplier delivery problems and provide information to Buyers to support supplier-performance discussions.

· Support resolution of receiving discrepancies, quantity issues, documentation problems, and other conditions preventing material from being received or made available to production.

· Maintain clear and accurate records of supplier commitments, follow-up activities, and escalation status.

· Participate in shortage reviews and other material-planning or production-support meetings as required.

· Develop effective working relationships with suppliers and internal Supply Chain and Operations personnel.

· Support continuous improvement of purchasing, expediting, and supplier communication processes.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong organizational and follow-up skills with the ability to manage a large number of open actions and changing priorities.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with suppliers.

· Ability to understand purchase orders, delivery schedules, material requirements, and production priorities.

· Working knowledge of ERP or purchasing systems.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other standard business applications.

· Ability to identify delivery risks, escalate issues appropriately, and follow actions through resolution.

· Strong attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining supplier commitments and purchasing information.

· Ability to work effectively across Procurement, Material Planning, Logistics, Production, Quality, and other functions.

· Ability to work independently while managing multiple urgent material requirements

Education and Experience

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· Associate degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred.

· Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, material planning, expediting, customer service, logistics, or manufacturing preferred.

· Experience working in a manufacturing environment preferred.

· Experience with ERP/MRP systems preferred.

Work Environment

· Primarily office-based with regular interaction with Procurement, Material Planning, Logistics, and manufacturing personnel.

· May require regular presence in warehouse and production areas to investigate or resolve material issues.

· Occasional supplier interaction or site visits may be required.