Purchasing Specialist I

Summary The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for purchasing raw materials to support manufacturing operations. This role plans material requirements, creates and manages purchase orders, and monitors material flow to ensure production continuity. The Purchasing Specialist maintains healthy inventory levels through aging, end-of-life, and accuracy management, resolves purchasing and invoice discrepancies, and reports material status to management. The position works closely with domestic and international suppliers, Production, Finance, and Warehouse teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute purchase orders (POs) to support raw material requirements and production schedules
• Communicate with domestic, Korean, and other international suppliers across time zones to place, adjust, and manage orders
• Monitor backlog and daily order status reports; adjust schedules and modify POs for overdue shipments and open orders
• Track procurement progression by proactively monitoring supplier and product delivery on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis
• Identify and prevent potential supply risks to maintain optimal material flow through cost-effective actions
• Plan material requirements to ensure availability in support of production schedules and KPI attainment
• Manage material aging, end-of-life (EOL) material, and inventory accuracy to maintain healthy inventory levels
• Ensure purchasing, storage, and transportation requirements for materials are followed
• Maintain accurate and timely data within ERP and MRP systems to support planning and procurement accuracy
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies related to purchasing, delivery, receiving, accounts payable invoices, and supplier payment on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis
• Generate daily, weekly, and monthly material and procurement reports
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Production, Warehouse, Finance, and Quality to resolve material and supply issues
• Maintain regular and reliable on-site attendance
• Maintain confidentiality of supplier, pricing, and company information
• Maintain cleanliness at work-site in accordance with 5S3R Standards (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain; Right Location, Right Quantity, Right Container)
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred, or equivalent relevant experience

Experience

• 1+ years of purchasing, procurement, material planning, or related supply chain experience preferred
• Experience forecasting or predicting material needs one to three months in advance preferred
• Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
• Working knowledge of MRP, ERP, or WMS systems preferred
• Experience communicating with domestic and international suppliers preferred

Sponsorship This position is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship, now or in the future. Candidates must possess current, unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.

Skills

• Proven analytical ability to understand and resolve supply and procurement issues
• Understanding of material planning, purchase order management, and inventory control principles
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to work within ERP and MRP systems to maintain accurate procurement data
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Korean and English bilingual proficiency required, to coordinate directly with Korean-speaking suppliers and headquarters personnel
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within cross-functional teams
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to support supplier communication across time zones and month-end or year-end activities

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or remain stationary for extended periods while working at a computer
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and office equipment
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, and move within office and operational areas
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and move typical office materials, equipment, and material samples

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based environment within a manufacturing facility
• Frequent use of computer systems, including ERP, MRP, and procurement reporting tools
• Regular interaction with domestic and international suppliers, Production, Warehouse, Finance, and Quality teams
• Occasional exposure to production, warehouse, or operational areas requiring adherence to safety protocols and PPE requirements
• May require flexibility to support month-end, year-end, audit-related activities, or supplier communication across time zones

HLBMA LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer that values the diversity of its workforce.