Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Purchase raw materials, machined components, fabricated parts, tooling, MRO supplies, and subcontracted services required for manufacturing operations.
- Analyze MRP (Material Requirements Planning) reports and production schedules to determine purchasing requirements.
- Issue purchase orders and monitor supplier performance regarding quality, pricing, delivery, and responsiveness.
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, and supply agreements to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies.
- Develop and maintain relationships with approved suppliers and identify alternative sources to mitigate supply chain risks.
- Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Inventory teams to resolve shortages, quality issues, and supplier performance concerns.
- Review inventory levels and purchasing trends to ensure adequate material availability while minimizing excess inventory.
- Support new product introductions by sourcing materials and evaluating supplier capabilities.
- Track and expedite critical orders to ensure uninterrupted production.
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance regarding supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Participate in supplier audits, evaluations, and performance reviews.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, vendor files, and system data within the ERP system.
- Monitor market conditions, material costs, and industry trends impacting procurement activities.
- Prepare reports and analyses regarding spending, supplier performance, and inventory management.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
- Perform other duties, assignments and special projects as required.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field required. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.
Experience
- 5-7 minimum years of purchasing or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and ERP/MRP systems; experience with JD Edwards is highly desirable.
- Experience supporting machining, fabrication, assembly, or industrial equipment manufacturing preferred.
- Experience purchasing steel, aluminum, castings, machined components, tooling, hydraulics, pumps, motors, bearings, or industrial equipment components is highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
- CPIM, CPSM, or CSCP certification.
- Experience managing supplier scorecards and strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems.
Skills
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machining operations, and production planning.
- Knowledge of purchasing principles, inventory management, and supplier relationship management.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and specifications.
- Strong negotiation and cost-analysis skills.
- Working knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, complemented by strong analytical, negotiation, follow-through, and accuracy capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods.
- Occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to be present and available in the manufacturing and warehouse areas of the facility on a regular basis.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- On-time supplier delivery performance.
- Inventory turns and inventory accuracy.
- Cost savings and cost avoidance achieved.
- Purchase order accuracy.
- Supplier quality metrics.
- Material availability and production support performance.
- Reduction in expedited freight costs.