Supply Chain Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

Objective: 

The Supply Chain Buyer plays a critical role in ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials and components required to produce customized seating products. This includes sourcing items such as metal components, upholstery materials, hardware, and specialty parts while balancing quality, lead times, and cost to support a make-to-order production model.

Key Responsibilities:

v  Source and purchase raw materials and components including steel, fabricated parts, upholstery fabrics, foam, and hardware

v  Manage supplier relationships to ensure consistent quality, pricing, and on-time delivery

v  Negotiate pricing, contracts, and lead times with vendors to support cost control initiatives

v  Issue and manage purchase orders, ensuring alignment with production schedules and customer orders.

v  Monitor inventory levels and adjust purchasing strategies to prevent shortages or excess stock

v  Identify and qualify new suppliers to support business growth and reduce supply risk

v  Resolve supply chain issues such as delays, quality concerns, or material shortages

v  Maintain accurate purchasing data within ERP/MRP systems

v  Support continuous improvement initiatives, including cost reduction and process efficiencies

Qualifications:

v  Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, or related field (preferred)

v  5+ years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment (custom or made-to-order preferred)

v  Strong negotiation and supplier management skills

v  Experience sourcing materials such as metals, textiles, and manufactured components

v  Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel

v  Ability to manage multiple priorities in a small to mid-sized company environment

v  Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Preferred Skills:

v  Experience in furniture or seating manufacturing

v  Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices

v  APICS or ISM certification (CPIM, CPSM) is a plus

v  Familiarity with domestic and international sourcing

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Physical requirements include lifting up to 10 – 25 lbs on an occasional basis. 

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in both an office environment and manufacturing environment. There will be times when the environment will have fluctuating temperatures with exposure to noise, dust, grease, fumes and sparks. This position is required to occasionally wear safety glasses and always wear safety steel toe shoes in the manufacturing facility.