The Inventory Purchaser is responsible for purchasing raw materials, components, supplies, and services required to support manufacturing operations. This position works closely with production, engineering, inventory, quality, and accounting to ensure materials are available when needed, at the best overall value and in accordance with company quality standards.
The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, analytical, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The Inventory Purchaser will develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and terms, monitor purchase orders, and proactively resolve supply issues that could impact production.
Key Responsibilities
- Review purchasing requirements, MRP recommendations, inventory levels, and production schedules to determine material needs.
- Prepare and issue purchase orders for raw materials, components, supplies, and outside services.
- Obtain and evaluate supplier quotes based on price, quality, delivery, capacity, and overall value.
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, freight, and other purchasing conditions with suppliers.
- Monitor open purchase orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.
- Communicate potential shortages, delays, or supply issues to production and management.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, pricing, lead times, and other data in the ERP system.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with existing suppliers while identifying potential new sources.
- Work with suppliers to resolve issues involving quality, delivery, pricing, or incorrect shipments.
- Coordinate with Quality and Engineering regarding supplier specifications, material requirements, and quality concerns.
- Partner with Inventory/Warehouse personnel to maintain appropriate inventory levels and minimize excess or obsolete material as well as slow moving inventory.
- Review supplier performance and assist with supplier evaluations and improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to reduce material costs, improve lead times, consolidate purchases, and improve overall supply-chain efficiency.
- Assist with annual pricing negotiations and cost-reduction initiatives.
- Ensure purchases comply with company policies, approved supplier requirements, and applicable specifications.
- Support continuous improvement efforts within the purchasing and supply-chain functions.
- Perform other purchasing and supply-chain duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- 2+ years of purchasing/buying experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience purchasing raw materials, components, parts, or industrial supplies preferred.
- Strong understanding of purchase orders, inventory, lead times, and supplier management.
- Experience working with an ERP/MRP system.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Ability to read and understand product specifications, drawings, or bills of material is a plus.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritize multiple orders and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field is preferred.