Purchasing Agent

M&M Industries; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

M&M Industries, a U.S.-based manufacturer, seeks a Purchasing Coordinator to manage PO entry and post-entry supply chain tracking. You will liaise with domestic and international suppliers to maintain pricing, schedules, and ERP/MRP data, supporting production operations.

The role emphasizes Excel-driven reporting, data analysis, and coordination with Plant Production. Ideal candidates have 1–2 years of purchasing experience in manufacturing and familiarity with MRP and rail service.

Qualifications

• Business degree or equivalent experience required.
• 1–2 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with MRP preferred.
• Experience with rail service preferred.

Responsibilities

• Verifies purchase requisitions by comparing requested raw materials to the master list and clarifying unclear items.
• Recommends alternatives for out-of-stock MRO items requested by Production.
• Forwards available inventory items by verifying stock and scheduling delivery.
• Verifies part numbers, specifications, and item pricing prior to releasing purchase orders to vendors; obtains recommendations from suppliers for substitute items and verifies appropriate approval levels based on requisition spend amount.
• Obtains purchased items by forwarding orders to suppliers, notifying requesting personnel of purchases, and monitoring and expediting orders as needed.
• Verifies receipt of items utilizing the ERP system to compare items received to items ordered and resolves shipment discrepancies with suppliers.
• Maintains accessible electronic copies of proof of purchase and information related to orders.
• Provides purchasing planning and control information by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends using prescribed Excel spreadsheets for reporting to the Plant Manager weekly or more frequently as needed.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities as available.
• Supports purchasing and organizational objectives by completing related activities in a timely manner.
• Participates in cycle counts of raw materials on a weekly and/or daily basis as needed.
• Utilizes company ERP system(s) to track raw material purchases and inventory levels, resolve outstanding/open purchase orders, and perform other data analysis as needed.

Skills

Excel

Word

Analytical skills

MRP knowledge

Rail service knowledge

Education

Business degree or equivalent experience

Tools

ERP systems

MRP software

Job description

M&M Industries is a U.S.-based manufacturer of plastic pails and packaging solutions. We operate in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where effective purchasing, inventory management, and supplier coordination are essential to supporting production operations.

The Purchasing Coordinator performs duties related to purchase order entry and post-entry supply chain tracking. This role interacts with domestic and international suppliers to maintain pricing and delivery schedules and serves as a liaison between Plant Production and suppliers. The Purchasing Coordinator procures required materials by verifying, preparing, and forwarding purchase orders to approved vendors.

Key Responsibilities

• Verifies purchase requisitions by comparing requested raw materials to the master list and clarifying unclear items
• Recommends alternatives for out-of-stock MRO items requested by Production
• Forwards available inventory items by verifying stock and scheduling delivery
• Verifies part numbers, specifications, and item pricing prior to releasing purchase orders to vendors; obtains recommendations from suppliers for substitute items and verifies appropriate approval levels based on requisition spend amount
• Obtains purchased items by forwarding orders to suppliers, notifying requesting personnel of purchases, and monitoring and expediting orders as needed
• Verifies receipt of items utilizing the ERP system to compare items received to items ordered and resolves shipment discrepancies with suppliers
• Maintains accessible electronic copies of proof of purchase and information related to orders
• Provides purchasing planning and control information by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends using prescribed Excel spreadsheets for reporting to the Plant Manager weekly or more frequently as needed
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities as available
• Supports purchasing and organizational objectives by completing related activities in a timely manner
• Participates in cycle counts of raw materials on a weekly and/or daily basis as needed
• Utilizes company ERP system(s) to track raw material purchases and inventory levels, resolve outstanding/open purchase orders, and perform other data analysis as needed

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office with a strong emphasis on Excel and Word
• Strong Excel skills, including the ability to export information from ERP systems to spreadsheets and create and link spreadsheets
• Strong analytical skills
• Knowledge of MRP required
• Knowledge of rail service

Education

• Business degree or equivalent experience required

Experience

• One (1) to two (2) years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
• Experience with MRP preferred
• Experience with rail service preferred

Physical Requirements

• Good hand-eye coordination
• Ability to occasionally lift and handle 45-50 pounds repetitively
• Ability to perform work from a standing and/or sitting position as required
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment that may be hot or cold
• Ability to wear required PPE while on the production floor (safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.)

What We Offer

• M&M Industries offers a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees and reward the work that drives our success.
• Full-time employees may elect medical, dental and vision coverage effective on their first day of employment.
• We also offer paid vacation and discretionary time off (DTO), with the amount and timing based on position and tenure; paid company holidays after 90 days; and a 401(k) with company match beginning on the first day of the month following 90 days of employment.
• Educational reimbursement is available after one year of employment.
• Eligible employees may also participate in quarterly profit sharing when company performance thresholds are met.
• Hourly employees who work on a recognized holiday receive time-and-a-half for all hours worked.
• Benefits and eligibility are subject to applicable plan documents and company policies.