Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Purchase wood products and components required for upholstered furniture manufacturing.
• Maintain adequate inventory levels to support production while minimizing excess inventory.
• Analyze material requirements using forecasts, production schedules, and inventory reports.
• Issue purchase orders and monitor supplier acknowledgments and delivery commitments.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, and supply agreements with vendors.
• Develop and maintain relationships with lumber mills, plywood suppliers, component manufacturers, and distributors.
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, service, and cost.
• Coordinate with Production Planning to anticipate material requirements and production changes.
• Work with Engineering and Product Development on new product introductions and material specifications.
• Investigate and resolve supply shortages, quality issues, and delivery delays.
• Identify alternative suppliers and materials to reduce risk and improve cost competitiveness.
• Participate in cost reduction initiatives and value engineering projects.
• Review market conditions and trends affecting wood availability and pricing.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier information within ERP/MRP systems.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities related to wood purchases.
• Assist in physical inventory and inventory reconciliation processes.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Education
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Forestry Products, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
•
Experience
• 3+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience.
• Experience purchasing wood products, lumber, plywood, engineered wood products, or furniture components preferred.
• Experience in upholstered furniture manufacturing or related manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of wood species, lumber grades, plywood, particleboard, MDF, OSB, and furniture frame components.
• Understanding of purchasing principles, inventory management, and supplier negotiations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to interpret production schedules and material requirements planning reports.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of transportation and logistics practices is beneficial.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Wood material inventory turns
• Material availability to production
• On-time supplier delivery performance
• Purchase price variance (PPV)
• Inventory accuracy
• Supplier quality performance
• Material cost savings achieved
• Reduction in material shortages and production downtime
• Excess and obsolete inventory levels
Working Conditions
• Primarily office environment within a manufacturing facility.
• Frequent interaction with suppliers, production personnel, engineering, and management.
• Occasional travel to supplier facilities, trade shows, and industry events may be required.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to review reports and use computer systems daily.
• Occasional lifting of samples or materials up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to visit manufacturing and warehouse areas as needed.