Purchasing Specialist

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for procuring the raw materials, components, supplies, equipment, and services required to support the company's manufacturing operations. This position plays a critical role in ensuring production has the materials needed to meet customer orders and production schedules while maintaining appropriate inventory levels, competitive pricing, quality standards, and reliable supplier performance.

The Purchasing Specialist works closely with Production, Operations, Inventory, Warehouse, Engineering, Quality, Accounting, and Management to coordinate purchasing activities and prevent material shortages or production interruptions.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPurchasing & Procurement

• Purchase raw materials, components, production supplies, packaging materials, tooling, equipment, and services required for manufacturing operations.
• Prepare, issue, and maintain accurate purchase orders.
• Review purchasing requirements based on production schedules, inventory levels, open orders, and anticipated demand.
• Obtain and compare supplier quotes, pricing, lead times, minimum order quantities, and payment terms.
• Negotiate pricing and purchasing terms when appropriate.
• Source new suppliers and identify alternative sources for critical materials.
• Maintain purchasing records, vendor information, pricing, and product specifications.

Manufacturing & Material Support

• Work closely with Production and Operations to ensure materials are available when required.
• Monitor material requirements for cable production and communicate potential shortages or delays immediately.
• Coordinate purchases based on production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
• Monitor lead times for critical raw materials and plan purchases accordingly.
• Coordinate with Inventory and Warehouse personnel to maintain accurate inventory levels.

Vendor Management

• Establish and maintain professional relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Monitor supplier performance related to pricing, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and reliability.
• Follow up on late, incomplete, or incorrect shipments.
• Resolve purchasing, receiving, pricing, and quality discrepancies with vendors.
• Request updated quotes and pricing when necessary.
• Assist management in evaluating supplier performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Documentation & Administration

• Maintain accurate purchase orders, confirmations, invoices, vendor documentation, and purchasing records.
• Verify that purchase orders accurately reflect required quantities, specifications, pricing, and delivery requirements.
• Work with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice and purchase order discrepancies.
• Prepare purchasing reports as requested by management.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies and procedures.

The Purchasing Specialist should maintain clear communication regarding material availability, supplier delays, price changes, shortages, and other issues that could affect production or customer commitments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous purchasing, procurement, inventory, supply-chain, or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Experience purchasing raw materials or production components is a plus.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple purchase orders, vendors, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Physical & Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular interaction with manufacturing, warehouse, and production areas.
• May require walking through manufacturing and warehouse facilities.
• Must follow all company safety requirements and PPE requirements when entering production areas.
• May occasionally require extended hours to address urgent material or production requirements.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Work Location: In person