Purchasing Specialist

Purchasing Specialist

Location: Santa Ana, CA
Department: Supply Chain
Pay Range: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour DOE
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Us

We are a growing contract manufacturer specializing in the precision (CNC) machining of custom aerospace/space, defense, and medical components. Our success is built on delivering quality products, exceptional customer service, and reliable on-time delivery. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Purchasing Specialist to join our team and support the procurement of materials, tooling, supplies, and outside services necessary to keep production running smoothly.

This position is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in building a career in purchasing, supply chain management or manufacturing operations.

Position Summary

The Purchasing Specialist provides administrative and operational support to the Supply Chain Department. This role is responsible for creating purchase orders, communicating with vendors, tracking deliveries, maintaining purchasing records, and assisting with inventory and procurement activities. The successful candidate will work closely with production, inventory, receiving, engineering, and accounting teams to ensure materials and services are available when needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and process purchase orders for raw materials, tooling, consumables, supplies, and outside processing services.
• Request and compare vendor quotations, pricing, and lead times.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier selection activities.
• Identify and implement cost reduction and cost avoidance opportunities.
• Monitor supplier performance and maintain effective vendor relationships.
• Follow up with vendors regarding order confirmations, shipment status, and delivery schedules.
• Monitor open purchase orders and expedite overdue or critical deliveries.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, vendor information, and documentation.
• Enter and update purchasing information within the company's ERP system.
• Coordinate with production and inventory teams to ensure material availability.
• Communicate material shortages, delays, or supply issues to internal stakeholders.
• Match purchase orders, packing slips, and invoices when required.
• Assist with inventory record maintenance and cycle count activities.
• Support vendor onboarding and vendor file management.
• Prepare reports and spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical purchasing records.
• Assist the Director of Operations with special projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.

Preferred

• Previous office, administrative, customer service, warehouse, or manufacturing experience.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
• Knowledge of purchasing, inventory control, or supply chain processes.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.

Key Competencies

• Strong follow-through and sense of urgency.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Professional communication with vendors and internal departments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments as needed.
• Ability to view computer screens and perform data entry for extended periods.

Career Growth Opportunity

This position is designed as an entry point into the purchasing and supply chain profession. Successful candidates will have opportunities to develop skills and gain experience that may lead to advancement into roles such as:

• Purchasing Lead
• Supply Chain Coordinator
• Material Planner
• Purchasing Manager

Pay: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person