Purchasing Specialist

Material BuyerThe 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 ResponsibilitiesStrategic purchasing of products, raw materials, and services to fulfill demandsMaintains required quantity of supplies and materials to optimize R&D and productionAnalyzes current inventory and production schedule to establish and maintain reorder points and reorder quantitiesThe ability to know when to intervene and/or expedite orders to stay on track with project timelinesNegotiates prices and purchasing terms for material and delivery with suppliers, vendors, and/or shipping companiesConducts spend analysis and develops cost-saving initiativesIdentifies 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 demandResearch alternative sources to reduce cost and improve lead timesMonitors 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 departmentsPerforms other related duties as assignedKey Competencies & SkillsThe ability to analyze data, find meaningful insights and note important trendsStrong 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 customersExcellent organizational skills and attention to detail.Experience purchasing raw materialsExperience sourcing international and domestic goods.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Proven ability to meet tight deadlinesSuperior communication skills (verbal and written) with a strong attention to detailEducation and Experience RequirementsBachelors' degree in Supply Chain or general Business is strongly preferred (or combination of education and experience)3+ years' experience in an R&D engineering environment3+ years' experience managing distributor and OEM relationshipsMinimum of 5+ years' experience in a purchasing role in a manufacturing environmentERP/MRP systems experience requiredAPICS certification a plusWorking 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.