Purchasing Specialist

Position Summary

The Material Buyer is primarily responsible for managing materials requirements planning and purchasing for the R&D engineering team. This position monitors and analyzes market and overall economic conditions, as well as manage suppliers to ensure on-time delivery at competitive pricing. This includes identifying and ordering the proper quantity, negotiating pricing and shipment terms while overseeing the timely delivery of materials needed to meet demand. The Material Buyer is responsible for responding to changes in demand and solving supply chain issues that may arise. He/she will communicate regularly with internal stakeholders and suppliers to avoid unforeseen changes or surprises in demand and/or supply

Key Job Responsibilities

• Strategic purchasing of products, raw materials, and services to fulfill demands
• Maintains required quantity of supplies and materials to optimize R&D and production
• Analyzes current inventory and production schedule to establish and maintain reorder points and reorder quantities
• The ability to know when to intervene and/or expedite orders to stay on track with project timelines
• Negotiates prices and purchasing terms for material and delivery with suppliers, vendors, and/or shipping companies
• Conducts spend analysis and develops cost-saving initiatives
• Identifies supply risks and reacts quickly to maintain inventory demands.
• Collaborates with engineering and production teams to stay ahead of needs and react quickly to changing demand
• Research alternative sources to reduce cost and improve lead times
• Monitors the performance of suppliers using a supplier scorecard, assessing their ability to meet quality and delivery requirements; identifies and qualifies new suppliers in collaboration with other departments
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Key Competencies & Skills

• The ability to analyze data, find meaningful insights and note important trends
• Strong computer skills, with Microsoft Office proficiency (advanced excel user)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to create and maintain positive working relationships with vendors, suppliers, shippers, and customers
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience purchasing raw materials
• Experience sourcing international and domestic goods.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to meet tight deadlines
• Superior communication skills (verbal and written) with a strong attention to detail

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelors' degree in Supply Chain or general Business is strongly preferred (or combination of education and experience)
• 3+ years' experience in an R&D engineering environment
• 3+ years' experience managing distributor and OEM relationships
• Minimum of 5+ years' experience in a purchasing role in a manufacturing environment
• ERP/MRP systems experience required
• APICS certification a plus

Working Conditions:

Work is performed inside a flex space building consisting of offices, open desk space, laboratory, machine shop, and a manufacturing floor. Level of noise is usually quiet in the office environment and temperature controlled. Noise levels are elevated in the warehouse space where temperatures can vary depending on the outside elements and weather.


All the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions for which reasonable accommodation will be made. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties and responsibilities or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.