Purchasing Specialist

Description Red Dot Corporation , the leading producer of premium mobile HVAC units and components for heavy-duty commercial and military vehicles, is recruiting for the following position: Purchasing Specialist Department: Procurement Reports to: Senior Director of Supply Chain Summary Description The Purchasing Specialist, based in Memphis, TN, is responsible for executing both the tactical and strategic supply chain for their assigned parts. The role pairs hands‑on daily buying with strategic sourcing and a focus on integrating new products into the growing Memphis operation. As a key member of a cross‑functional team, the Purchasing Specialist ensures material availability, meets department Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and maintains the health of daily purchasing operations while developing the longer‑term sourcing strategy. This is a hybrid tactical and strategic position. On the tactical side, it owns daily and weekly buying, factory flow on critical and long‑lead parts, purchase‑order management, and the master‑data discipline that keeps planning signals accurate. On the strategic side, it supports new product integration, supports the stabilization and continuous improvement of a new ERP/MRP system and partners with the corporate procurement team on process optimization and standardization. The role will also actively pursue opportunities to leverage the broader corporate supply base and to develop new strategic sourcing — including reducing single‑source and offshore exposure on critical components. Job Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions) Tactical Responsibilities Execute daily and weekly purchasing for assigned parts; generate purchase orders from MRP signals, schedule deliveries, and ensure material availability to support production demand. Prepare and manage open‑order reports; communicate MRP exceptions and delivery risks to suppliers to hold them to delivery commitments. Manage inventory levels and replenishment strategies to meet stocking and production requirements; monitor KPIs including inventory turns, on‑time delivery, and inventory value. Maintain accurate item and master data in the ERP/MRP system (Min/Max, lead time, and blanket‑release structure) so planning signals stay accurate and trustworthy. Serve as the primary contact for assigned suppliers — managing communication, issue resolution, and performance — and coordinate with Quality on the return of non‑conforming material and recovery of credits. Strategic Responsibilities Support the integration of new products into the Memphis operation, establishing supply for new parts and building supplier relationships ahead of production. Partner with the corporate procurement team on process optimization and standardization across the procurement function. Conduct price analysis, lead competitive bid events, and negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts that deliver cost savings, improved lead times, and long‑term supply stability. Develop and execute a strategic‑sourcing pipeline, prioritizing the reduction of single‑source and offshore exposure on critical, long‑lead parts. Collaborate cross‑functionally with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Sales to identify supply risks and develop resolution plans; contribute to Lean, VMI, and Kanban initiatives. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Operates as a positive, solution‑oriented, and collaborative representative of the company in all internal and supplier interactions. Demonstrated ability to independently operate a mid‑market ERP/MRP system locating and running reports, validating data, and correcting issues. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, approaching challenges with curiosity, transparency, and a commitment to root‑cause resolution. Excellent written and verbal communication; maintains composure and professionalism under pressure and navigates cross‑functional and cross‑cultural dynamics with adaptability. Works independently and as part of a cross‑functional team with minimal supervision; exercises sound judgment in alignment with company policy and compliance. Thrives in a dynamic environment, balancing multiple priorities while upholding high standards for accuracy, quality, and service. Alignment with Company Values — R.I.S.E. Respect: Engages with others thoughtfully, assumes positive intent, and communicates with care. Integrity: Acts with honesty, follows through on commitments, and solves problems without blame. Service: Puts customer and internal stakeholder needs first, and looks for collaborative, value‑driven solutions. Excellence: Maintains a commitment to quality, detail, and continuous improvement. Requirements Education Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field is required. Experience Minimum 5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience is required. Demonstrated strategic‑sourcing and supplier‑management experience. User‑level experience with an ERP/MRP system (3+ years preferred); within a manufacturing environment is strongly preferred. Demonstrated working knowledge of Lean principles and their application in a supply chain or manufacturing context. Technical Skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) is required. Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data for decision‑making and supplier negotiations. Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear; frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms; and must be able to sit or stand at a computer for extended periods. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Total Compensation Package Paid Sick Time / Paid Sick and Safe Time. Personal Time Off (PTO). Average of 14 paid holidays per year. Employer‑sponsored PPO Medical Plans, with employer‑subsidized premiums of at least 70% for non‑tobacco users. Employer‑sponsored PPO Dental Plans, with employer‑subsidized premiums of at least 70% for non‑tobacco users. Employer‑sponsored Vision Plans. Free Employee Assistance Program for all employees. Free Benefit Advocate access for insurance benefit inquiries. 401(k) employer contribution of 3% of annual salary, regardless of participation. 100% ESOP Company, with vesting beginning after 1,000 hours. Employer‑paid Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) premiums. Employer‑paid Long‑Term Disability Insurance premiums. Voluntary benefits such as Flexible Spending Accounts, Daycare Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, and Short‑Term Disability Insurance. Salary grade levels and placement are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to applicable experience, education, skill set, and market. Red Dot is an Equal Opportunity / Affiant Action Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Red Dot Corp.