Materials Control Operator - Entry-US

Kennametal Inc.; La Vergne (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal Inc. in Tennessee seeks a Materials Control Operator to manage indirect purchasing for the plant, handling MRO supplies, office materials, and non-production goods. You will be the primary contact for purchase requests, PO creation, supplier follow-ups, receiving, and internal distribution.

This role emphasizes accurate ordering, timely receiving, accountability in ERP records, and strong cost and inventory controls to support operations and administration teams.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, inventory control, receiving, supply chain, maintenance administration, or related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Process purchase requisitions and create purchase orders in ERP.
• Review requests for completeness and cost center accuracy.
• Obtain supplier quotations as required.
• Ensure purchases comply with company policies.
• Follow up on open purchase orders and monitor delivery.
• Receive materials and verify quantities; process receipts in ERP.
• Monitor MRO inventory levels and assist replenishment.
• Track indirect spending and cost center reporting.
• Serve as main contact for plant personnel on purchasing requests.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

About Kennametal

With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Learn more at kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

The Materials Control Operator is responsible for managing all indirect purchasing activities for the plant, including Operations (MRO) supplies, consumables, office supplies, facility supplies, and other non-production purchases outside the Tool Crib. This position serves as the primary point of contact for purchase requests, purchase order management, supplier follow-up, receiving, and internal distribution of purchased materials. The role will ensure materials are ordered accurately, received on time, properly accounted for, and delivered to internal customers while maintaining strong cost and inventory controls.

Key Job Responsibilities

Purchasing & Procurement

• Process purchase requisitions and create purchase orders within the ERP system.
• Review requests for completeness and proper cost center allocation.
• Obtain supplier quotations as required.
• Ensure purchases comply with company purchasing policies.

Supplier Management

• Follow up on all open purchase orders.
• Monitor supplier delivery commitments.
• Expedite critical orders to prevent operational disruptions.
• Communicate delivery status to requestors and management.

Receiving & Material Distribution

• Receive purchased materials and supplies.
• Verify quantities and condition of goods received.
• Process receipts in the ERP system.
• Coordinate return of damaged or incorrect materials.
• Deliver materials to requesting departments.

Inventory & MRO Management

• Monitor critical MRO inventory levels.
• Recommend replenishment requirements.
• Assist with cycle counts and inventory accuracy initiatives.

Financial & Reporting Support

• Track monthly MRO and indirect spending.
• Support cost tracking by department and cost center.

Customer Support

• Serve as the primary contact for plant personnel regarding purchasing requests.
• Provide status updates on orders and expected delivery dates.
• Support maintenance, operations, engineering, quality, and administration teams with supply needs.

Education, Work Experience and skills required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, inventory control, receiving, supply chain, maintenance administration, or related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.