Purchasing Planner

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Purchasing Planner
Pay Range: $50,000 - $55,000 per year

About Espey

Come join us at Espey, where we're shaping the future. As industry leaders in manufacturing high-quality power conversion solutions, we specialize in serving mission-critical military and rugged industrial sectors operating in the world's most demanding environments. With more than 90 years of innovation and excellence, Espey designs and manufactures power supplies and transformers that support the safety and success of military personnel and industrial operations worldwide.

Located in Saratoga Springs, NY, Espey offers a collaborative environment where employees make a meaningful impact while enjoying a four-day work week, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

About the Role

Espey is seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Purchasing Planner to plan and execute the purchase of raw materials, components, and finished goods, ensuring inventory levels align with production schedules and customer demands. This position plays a critical role in ensuring raw materials are procured in accordance with customer specifications, military standards, and regulatory requirements while maintaining inventory accuracy and supporting on-time delivery in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate is organized, safety-conscious, and experienced in purchasing, procurement, supplier management, quoting, cost estimating, and logistics within a manufacturing environment. This individual thrives in a fast-paced setting and is committed to quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Key ResponsibilitiesPurchasing & Procurement

• Verify specifications and material requirements for purchase requests.

• Review inventory levels to determine material availability and purchasing requirements.

• Solicit quotations from qualified suppliers for raw materials, components, and outside services.

• Expedite supplier quotations and purchase orders to support proposal deadlines, production schedules, and customer delivery requirements.

• Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and evaluate supplier pricing, lead times, and technical compliance.

• Develop material cost estimates and budgetary pricing when supplier quotations cannot be obtained within the required timeframe.

• Compile and roll up material, purchased component, and outside service costs into complete finished product cost estimates for management review and proposal submission.

• Create, process, and administer purchase orders while ensuring compliance with company policies and customer requirements.

• Negotiate pricing, terms and conditions, technical requirements, and delivery schedules with suppliers.

• Solicit, negotiate, award, and administer fixed-price procurements.

• Monitor supplier performance, expedite late deliveries, and resolve purchasing and supplier issues.

• Verify supplier invoices against purchase orders and approve invoices for payment.

• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier documentation, pricing history, and procurement files.

Supplier & Inventory Management

• Coordinate with inventory, warehouse, production, engineering, and project management teams to ensure material availability and support production schedules.

• Monitor inventory levels and replenishment requirements to maintain material availability while minimizing excess inventory.

• Maintain positive vendor relationships while ensuring supplier compliance with company quality, delivery, and contractual requirements.

• Analyze purchasing costs and supplier performance to support budgeting, cost reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure purchased materials meet customer specifications, military standards, and company quality requirements.

• Support compliance with AS9100, customer-specific requirements, and company purchasing procedures.

• Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable contractual, regulatory, and export control requirements.

• Recommend and implement process improvements that increase purchasing efficiency and operational effectiveness.

• Advise the Purchasing Director and Project Management on supplier performance, procurement strategies, project budgets, and vendor management activities.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives designed to enhance procurement processes, supplier performance, delivery performance, and cost savings.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of three (3) years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.

• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects and meet critical deadlines.

• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.

• Knowledge of the electronic and electrical manufacturing industry is a plus.

• Experience working in defense, aerospace, or military manufacturing environments.

• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, military quality standards, and government procurement requirements.

• Experience preparing supplier quotations, cost estimates, and proposal support documentation.

• Knowledge of ERP systems, MRP planning, and inventory management processes.

• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the workday.

• Ability to frequently lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

• Frequent use of computers and standard office equipment.

• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing and office environment with regular interaction between production, engineering, quality, purchasing, warehouse, logistics, and project management teams.

• Frequent movement between office, warehouse, and production areas.

• Moderate noise levels typical of a manufacturing facility.

• Collaborative, safety-focused, and quality-driven work environment.

What We Offer

• Pay Range: $50,000 - $55,000 per year

• Four-Day Work Week

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

• 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)

• Employee Assistance Program

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Retirement Plan

• Paid Time Off

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Employee Referral Program

• Professional Development Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

Espey is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.