Senior Purchasing Specialist - Manufacturing Ops

Century Furniture; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Century Furniture in Hickory, NC is seeking a Purchasing Agent to support manufacturing operations by sourcing materials and products at the best cost and ensuring availability.

You will manage purchasing activities for assigned categories, collaborate with Production, Engineering, Product Development, and Sales, review supplier quotations, and ensure on-time delivery while building strong supplier relationships and driving cost savings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum six years of purchasing/procurement experience.
• Experience with SAP or ERP/purchasing systems is a plus.
• Furniture or manufacturing industry experience preferred.
• Ability to read technical drawings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel/Word and email.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities for assigned materials, products, categories, and projects.
• Coordinate cross-functional meetings with Production, Engineering, Product Development, and Sales.
• Review supplier quotations and obtain competitive pricing and lead times.
• Work with suppliers to obtain competitive pricing, lead times, and reliable delivery.
• Issue and update purchase orders and contracts to support production and business needs.
• Monitor open POs and follow up with suppliers to avoid inventory gaps.
• Expedite orders and communicate delays or supply concerns to internal teams.
• Develop relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
• Communicate specifications, quality expectations, and schedules to suppliers.
• Assist supplier selection and cost-saving opportunities.
• Resolve supplier-related issues with internal stakeholders.
• Maintain records of quotations, decisions, projects, and POs.
• Provide updates on supplier performance and order status.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Supplier relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/SCM/Procurement

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

ERP/SAP

Job description

Century Furniture in Hickory, NC is seeking a Purchasing Agent to support manufacturing operations by sourcing materials and products at the best cost and ensuring availability.

You will manage purchasing activities for assigned categories, collaborate with Production, Engineering, Product Development, and Sales, review supplier quotations, and ensure on-time delivery while building strong supplier relationships and driving cost savings.