We are seeking an experienced Buyer / Procurement Specialist to support purchasing and material planning activities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position will be responsible for monitoring material demand, placing and managing purchase orders, working directly with suppliers, and ensuring raw materials are available to support production requirements.
The ideal candidate will have previous experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or materials planning and be comfortable working with ERP/MRP systems, Bills of Materials (BOMs), inventory data, and supplier performance. This role requires someone who can balance day-to-day purchasing responsibilities with analytical problem-solving and proactive supplier management.
What You’ll Do
- Monitor demand signals and place Purchase Orders (POs) for raw materials and components.
- Manage open purchase orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.
- Monitor supplier performance and proactively address potential delivery or supply issues.
- Analyze and interpret Bills of Materials (BOMs) to determine material requirements and execute corresponding purchase orders.
- Maintain accurate purchasing, demand, supplier, and material information within ERP/MRP systems.
- Utilize ERP and MRP systems to manage purchasing and material requirements; Oracle experience is preferred.
- Analyze supply risks and work with suppliers and Strategic Sourcing to develop solutions.
- Communicate material availability, shortages, and potential delays to Production Planning, Operations, and other internal teams.
- Use data and analytics to optimize inventory levels, stock positions, and material availability.
- Develop an understanding of assigned commodity markets, suppliers, lead times, and capabilities.
- Partner with Strategic Sourcing to align replenishment strategies and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Identify and implement improvements to procurement processes for raw materials and components.
- Coordinate Return Material Authorizations (RMAs) for defective or non-conforming materials.
- Develop and maintain productive supplier relationships.
- Participate in supplier performance and business reviews.
- Manage corporate P-Card purchasing and ensure transactions are reconciled accurately and on time using Concur.
- Support production and customer commitments by working overtime, including before or after scheduled shifts and weekends, when necessary.
What We’re Looking For
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- 3+ years of supply chain, purchasing, procurement, materials planning, or related experience preferred.
- Previous purchasing experience within a manufacturing environment is highly preferred.
- Experience using ERP and MRP systems; Oracle experience is a plus.
- Experience creating and managing Purchase Orders.
- Ability to read and interpret Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Understanding of inventory management, material requirements, lead times, and supplier performance.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to support purchasing, forecasting, and inventory decisions.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate effectively with suppliers and internal departments.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Experience with Concur or corporate purchasing card reconciliation is a plus.
- Ability to work effectively across Production Planning, Operations, Supply Chain, Strategic Sourcing, and other departments.
- Demonstrated commitment to high performance, respect, integrity, accountability, and teamwork.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent use of hands and fingers for computer, purchasing, and administrative tasks.
- Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and balance as required.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or move materials weighing approximately 10–30 pounds.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Work Environment
This position supports operations within a manufacturing environment and may involve exposure to moving machinery, production noise, and varying temperatures. Portions of the facility may not be climate-controlled.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when entering designated production areas.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Thompson First Group 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, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.