Procurement Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

About Us
IPSUMM is a New Hampshire-based engineering firm specializing in manufacturing automation, custom machinery, system integration, and precision mechanical design. Our team delivers high-quality, innovative solutions for clients across multiple industrial sectors. As our operations continue to expand, we are seeking a Procurement Specialist to support our engineering and production teams while helping develop and strengthen our procurement function.

Position Overview

The Procurement Specialist will be responsible for managing day-to-day purchasing activities while helping develop and improve IPSUMM's procurement function. This role will evaluate current processes, recommend improvements, establish supplier relationships, and develop purchasing best practices. The successful candidate will work closely with Operations and Engineering to implement approved procurement initiatives that support the company's continued growth.

This position is ideal for a proactive procurement professional who enjoys improving processes, building supplier partnerships, and helping create efficient systems within a growing engineering and manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, quote, and purchase fabricated parts from local and regional machine shops.

• Procure commercial components including motors, gearboxes, drives, PLCs, relays, sensors, bearings, fasteners, and more.

• Read and understand engineering drawings, CAD models, and bills of materials to ensure accurate procurement.

• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure quality, on-time delivery, and competitive pricing.

• Evaluate supplier capabilities and negotiate terms, pricing, and lead times.

• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and purchasing terms with suppliers.

• Track purchase orders, delivery schedules, and inventory levels to support production timelines.

• Work closely with engineering and assembly teams to resolve issues related to materials, part quality, or sourcing.

• Develop recommendations for purchasing processes, supplier strategies, and procurement improvements for leadership review and approval.

• Help establish purchasing procedures, documentation standards, and procurement best practices that support a growing organization.

• Identify opportunities for cost savings, supplier consolidation, and process improvements.

• Assist with inventory planning and material forecasting to improve operational efficiency.

• Maintain accurate purchasing records within the ERP/MRP system.

• Manage RFP/RFQ processes for new projects or specialized components.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of purchasing experience in manufacturing, engineering, industrial equipment, or automation.

• Hands-on experience sourcing machined, welded, or fabricated components from job shops.

• Strong familiarity with commercial electrical and mechanical components (e.g., motors, drives, relays, sensors, pneumatics).

• Ability to read mechanical drawings and understand tolerances, materials, and fabrication processes.

• Ability to identify process improvements and recommend practical procurement solutions.

• Experience evaluating suppliers and developing long-term vendor relationships.

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and supplier management skills.

• High attention to detail with strong organizational and time-management abilities.

• Experience using ERP or MRP systems for purchasing and inventory tracking (preferred).

• Ability to work in a fast-paced project-driven environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.

• Health, dental, and retirement benefits.

• Opportunities for professional growth within a rapidly expanding engineering firm.

• Collaborative environment with direct access to engineering expertise.

• Flexible and supportive company culture.