Purchasing Agent

Superior Thread Rolling Co. has been an industry leader in the Aerospace and Precision Machining business for over 70 years. We lead by developing "out-of-the-box" solutions to the constant changes in quality, administration, lean processes, and state-of-the-art technical systems required by Aerospace prime contractors and their supply chain. We strongly believe that the true reason behind our success is due to our loyal and dedicated team.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Supports Superior Thread Rolling Co.’s supply chain and Quality Management System by coordinating the procurement of raw materials, production supplies, and outside processing services. Manages purchase orders from placement through receipt, expedites deliveries, maintains material and certification traceability, monitors supplier performance, and supports continuous improvement. Works closely with Supply Chain, Production Control, Quality, Manufacturing, Shipping and Receiving, and Finance to help ensure materials and services are delivered on time, meet applicable requirements, and support production commitments.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Purchasing and Order Management:

• Coordinate purchasing activities for raw materials, production supplies, assembly items, and outside processing services.
• Identify and evaluate suppliers, obtain competitive pricing, and support negotiations related to cost, lead time, and commercial terms.
• Prepare and maintain purchase orders with accurate specifications, revisions, customer requirements, and required documentation.
• Monitor open purchase orders, proactively follow up with suppliers, document status, and communicate changes or risks to affected internal teams.
• Follow established purchasing, supplier selection, and contract administration procedures.

Material Traceability and Documentation:

• Maintain material traceability and required records throughout the production process, including applicable lot information and supplier certifications.
• Review material and outside process documentation for completeness and alignment with purchase order and specification requirements.
• Coordinate resolution of missing, incomplete, or incorrect documentation and support customer, quality system, and regulatory audits.
• Support material verification and other applicable quality procedures.

Supplier Performance and Relationships:

• Build and maintain productive supplier relationships through clear communication, timely follow-up, and ongoing engagement.
• Monitor supplier delivery, quality, and documentation performance, escalating issues and supporting corrective actions as needed.
• Take ownership of purchasing and supplier issues through resolution, keeping internal stakeholders informed of changes that may affect production, cost, quality, or delivery.
• Support supplier reviews and visits, and help identify opportunities to improve supplier reliability, service, and value.
• Keep ERP system updated with current contact management

Expediting and Production Support:

• Drive open purchase orders to completion and coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to minimize delays and support production schedules.
• Coordinate material and outside process movements as needed to support timely turnaround.
• Communicate purchase order status, delivery risks, and recovery actions during production planning and scheduling activities.
• Provide cross-functional support to Production Control, Shipping and Receiving, and other operational teams as required.

Continuous Improvement and Administration:

• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing, expediting, supplier performance, data accuracy, and supply chain workflows.
• Participate in improvement initiatives focused on reducing cost and lead times, improving delivery performance, and preventing recurring issues.
• Maintain accurate supplier and purchasing information in the company’s ERP system and keep relevant departments informed of purchasing or supplier changes.
• Follow applicable company procedures, quality requirements, and workplace organization standards.
• Operate a company vehicle or forklift when required and appropriately authorized.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Support on-time delivery goals for purchased materials and outside processing services.
• Maintain accurate purchase order status, receiving records, supplier information, and traceability documentation.
• Resolve supplier issues promptly and communicate risks before they affect production commitments.
• Contribute to measurable improvements in cost, lead time, quality, documentation, or supplier performance.

JOB QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Required:

• Minimum of 4 years of purchasing, expediting, account management, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of an ERP system and common purchasing, receiving, and supplier management processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Excel.
• Ability to interpret purchase orders, engineering drawings, and specification requirements.
• Associate degree or college coursework in business, supply chain management, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Aerospace or defense industry experience.
• Familiarity with aerospace special processes, Nadcap, and AMS specifications.

Desired:

• Associate degree or college coursework in business, supply chain management, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Aerospace or defense industry experience.
• Familiarity with aerospace special processes, Nadcap, and AMS specifications.

Skills and Conduct:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a professional approach to supplier and internal relationships.
• Good negotiation, organization, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in purchasing data and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Works effectively across departments and maintains confidentiality of supplier, customer, and pricing information.

Work Schedule: Support Shift, generally 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with additional hours as needed

Physical Demands: The employee is required to:

• Walk through manufacturing areas, stand, bend, and reach.
• Occasionally lift or exert force up to 20 pounds.

Licenses: Valid California driver’s license. Forklift authorization when required.

Working Environment: Working environment is primarily office based, with time spent in manufacturing areas. May occasionally be subjected to:

• Noise from manufacturing operations
• Moving equipment
• Dust and fumes
• Oils, etchants, and cutting fluids

Superior Thread Rolling is a smoke-free and drug-free workplace. All prospective candidates are subject to a pre-employment drug test and background check.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

To conform to U.S. export control regulations, requirements of this position include being eligible to work with export-controlled products and related data without restriction.

Keywords: Aerospace, Purchasing, Machine shop, Manufacturing, Aerospace Industry, Coordinating