Strategic Purchasing Specialist – Manufacturing

Axios Professional Recruitment; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Ambient Recruiting is recruiting for a Purchasing Specialist to join a growing manufacturing company's Materials team. You will review ERP/MRP systems, source materials, and manage vendor relationships to meet production needs and quality standards.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma and manufacturing purchasing experience, with strong Excel skills and the ability to coordinate across Quality, Accounting, and Production. This role supports multiple locations from a central hub.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
• ERP/MRP systems experience preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, follow-up and time management skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritize competing needs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Vendor management, customer service, and negotiation skills.
• Experience procuring materials for multiple locations or warehouses is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Review ERP/MRP systems to understand material requirements across product lines.
• Source and procure materials, components, and services based on production needs.
• Communicate with vendors regarding pricing, availability, quality, and delivery schedules.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders according to established procedures.
• Review bids and negotiate pricing and contracts within established guidelines.
• Monitor vendor performance to ensure quality and delivery expectations are met.
• Maintain accurate procurement, inventory, and vendor records.
• Monitor inventory levels of purchased components to ensure materials are available for production.
• Expedite materials and deliveries as needed to minimize production delays.
• Partner with Quality, Accounting, Production, and other internal teams to resolve material or vendor issues.
• Address defective or unacceptable materials and coordinate corrective action.
• Manage customer and supplier loop pack requirements.
• Approve invoices for payment when requested.
• Support procurement across multiple locations and warehouses from a central location.
• Develop and maintain compliance with applicable industry-specific quality standards.
• Assist with additional projects and duties as needed.

Skills

ERP/MRP experience

Vendor management

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Time management

Analytical problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Ambient Recruiting is recruiting for a Purchasing Specialist to join a growing manufacturing company's Materials team. You will review ERP/MRP systems, source materials, and manage vendor relationships to meet production needs and quality standards.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma and manufacturing purchasing experience, with strong Excel skills and the ability to coordinate across Quality, Accounting, and Production. This role supports multiple locations from a central hub.