Purchasing Manager - Omaha NE

Purchasing Manager

Position Summary

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for sourcing, ordering, and maintaining supply continuity for all production-related materials used in an injection molding environment. This includes raw resin, colorants, additives, packaging, MRO supplies, and outside-service components. This role ensures competitive pricing, reliable vendor performance, and on-time delivery to support a 24/5 manufacturing schedule across 18 injection molding machines.

The Purchasing Specialist works closely with Scheduling, Materials, Quality, and Engineering to support efficient production flow and customer on-time delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Material Ordering

• Source and purchase resins, colorants, additives, and packaging used in molding operations.
• Issue purchase orders (POs) based on inventory levels, production schedules, and forecasted demand.
• Maintain safety stock levels and prevent shortages that could interrupt production.
• Manage emergency orders during resin deviations, material changes, or expedited customer needs.
• Evaluate alternate materials or suppliers as needed for cost or availability.

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with resin suppliers, compounders, packaging vendors, and service providers.
• Obtain quotes, negotiate prices, and secure competitive terms.
• Track vendor performance (on-time delivery, accuracy, quality issues).
• Coordinate with Quality for supplier selection, audits, and corrective actions.

Inventory & ERP Accuracy

• Monitor resin and material usage through ERP/MRP systems.
• Update material costs, lead times, and supplier data.
• Review inventory consumption trends and align orders with production demand.
• Assist Materials Manager with reconciling discrepancies in raw material counts.

Production Coordination

• Work closely with Production Scheduler to ensure adequate materials for upcoming runs.
• Respond quickly to material shortages or blend issues at the machines.
• Support Engineering with material trials, sample orders, and new tooling launches.
• Communicate material arrival status to shift supervisors and materials handlers.

Cost Management & Analysis

• Track resin market trends, surcharges, and cost changes.
• Analyze spending data and develop cost-reduction opportunities.
• Support annual budgeting and price forecasting.
• Compare supplier quotes and document decision rationale.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate PO files, COAs, MSDS, REACH/RoHS compliance documents, and supplier certifications.
• Ensure materials meet customer and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with PPAP certifications by securing required material documentation.
• Follow purchasing policies to comply with ISO 9001 or IATF standards (if applicable).

Qualifications

Required

• 2-4 years of purchasing or supply-chain experience (manufacturing preferred).
• Understanding of raw materials (especially plastics resin).
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Epicor, IQMS, SAP, etc.).
• Strong negotiation, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.

Preferred

• Experience in injection molding or plastics manufacturing.
• Knowledge of resin market pricing, material handling equipment, and common molding materials (PP, PE, ABS, PC, nylon, etc.).
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other quality systems.
• Basic understanding of inventory control, logistics, and warehouse operations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time supplier delivery performance
• Purchase price variance (PPV)
• Resin/material shortage incidents
• Inventory accuracy related to purchased goods
• Supplier quality performance
• Material cost savings initiatives

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Office and manufacturing floor exposure.
• Ability to lift and inspect materials/packaging up to 25-40 lbs. occasionally.
• Work with vendors, machine operators, quality technicians, and warehouse staff daily.