Strategic Purchasing Specialist (Manufacturing)

Kaman Corporation; Colorado; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

RMB Products in Fountain, CO, is seeking a Purchasing Specialist to support manufacturing and business operations by purchasing materials, supplies, equipment, and services. You will work closely with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure purchases are accurate, timely, and cost-effective while maintaining inventory levels.

The role requires knowledge of PO processes, vendor negotiations, and strong Excel/Outlook skills, with 2+ years in purchasing preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of purchase orders, inventory control, shipping terms, and vendor negotiations.
• Experience analyzing supplier pricing, lead times, and performance.
• Experience working with vendors and cross-functional internal departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with the Purchasing Manager and other departments.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with suppliers and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities for assigned materials, supplies, and services supporting production and business operations.
• Review purchase requisitions and specifications and work with internal departments to clarify requirements.
• Request and evaluate supplier quotes based on pricing, quality, availability, delivery, service, and supply risk.
• Select suppliers and place purchase orders within established budgets, approval limits, and company purchasing procedures.
• Negotiate pricing and delivery terms within established guidelines.
• Prepare, issue, and maintain purchase orders and related purchasing documentation.
• Monitor open purchase orders and supplier commitments, following up on backorders, delays, and delivery issues.
• Partner with Production, Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Accounting, and Shipping to resolve purchasing, receiving, quality, and billing issues.
• Review inventory levels, usage, and supplier lead times and coordinate reorder requirements with internal departments.
• Identify alternate suppliers and sourcing opportunities to improve cost, availability, or supply continuity.
• Provide supplier comparisons, pricing trends, cost analyses, and supply-risk information to support purchasing decisions.
• Support supplier onboarding and maintain professional vendor relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, and delivery.
• Review invoices and receiving documentation as needed to resolve discrepancies and support three-way matching.
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, order, and purchasing records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

PO terminology

Inventory control

Vendor negotiations

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Written communication

Prioritization

Follow-up skills

Independent work

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2+ years purchasing experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

RMB Products in Fountain, CO, is seeking a Purchasing Specialist to support manufacturing and business operations by purchasing materials, supplies, equipment, and services. You will work closely with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure purchases are accurate, timely, and cost-effective while maintaining inventory levels.

The role requires knowledge of PO processes, vendor negotiations, and strong Excel/Outlook skills, with 2+ years in purchasing preferred.