Inventory Specialist/Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

Inventory Specialist / Technical Buyer

Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday
FLSA Status: Exempt
Travel: 5–10%

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Inventory Specialist / Technical Buyer to manage inventory control while sourcing, evaluating, and purchasing technical materials, components, and equipment. This role is critical to maintaining accurate inventory levels, ensuring timely procurement, and supporting production through strong supplier relationships and effective inventory management.

The ideal candidate has experience in manufacturing, inventory control, and technical purchasing, along with strong analytical and organizational skills. Success in this role requires balancing cost, quality, and lead time while maintaining accurate inventory records and supporting operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate inventory levels through cycle counts, audits, and inventory reconciliation.
• Monitor, analyze, and forecast inventory requirements based on production schedules, historical data, and demand trends.
• Organize and optimize warehouse layout, labeling, and storage systems.
• Ensure proper documentation and traceability of incoming and outgoing materials.
• Identify slow-moving, obsolete, or excess inventory and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate inventory records within ERP/MRP systems.

Technical Purchasing

• Source and procure technical parts, materials, and equipment according to engineering specifications and operational needs.
• Evaluate suppliers based on quality, reliability, pricing, and delivery performance.
• Obtain and compare quotations, negotiate pricing and terms, and issue purchase orders.
• Work closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure purchased materials meet technical requirements.
• Track purchase orders, expedite deliveries when necessary, and resolve supplier issues.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and new suppliers.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with production teams to anticipate material needs and prevent shortages.
• Coordinate with finance on budgeting, cost control, and invoice reconciliation.
• Support engineering by maintaining technical documentation, part specifications, and identifying alternative sourcing options.
• Provide inventory and purchasing updates to management.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programs.
• Follow all company policies and procedures related to safety, ethics, and workplace standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of experience in technical purchasing, inventory control, supply chain, or a related field.
• Experience within a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of technical components, manufacturing materials, and industrial equipment.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and inventory management software.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

Desired Skills

• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Effective negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Self-motivated with strong follow-through.
• Technical aptitude and ability to understand engineering specifications.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access.
• Experience with JobBoss or similar ERP/MRP software is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, climb, and lift materials as needed.
• Frequently use hands for handling and operating equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must have near, distance, peripheral, and color vision.
• Must be able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including steel-toe footwear, hearing protection, and safety eyewear.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a climate-controlled manufacturing facility that produces high-precision components for advanced industrial and metrology applications. The environment includes manufacturing equipment and requires adherence to all safety policies and procedures.