POSITION SUMMARY
The Manufacturing Buyer is responsible for ensuring ACP Waterjet has the right materials, hardware, outside services, and supplier partnerships to support our fast-paced, quick-turn manufacturing operation. This role owns the purchasing process from quote to delivery, ensuring every purchase is accurate, cost-effective, and on time.
Success in this position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to proactively identify supply issues before they impact production. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working with numbers and data, builds strong vendor relationships, and takes pride in making sure every purchase is correct the first time.
REPORTING STRUCTURE & SCHEDULE
- Reports To: Operations Manager
- Employment Type: Full-Time
- Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
- Overtime: Overtime may be required based on production workload and business needs.
COMPENSATION
- Pay: $27.00–$34.00 per hour, based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills.
- Highly qualified candidates are those who align with our mission and vision, demonstrate our core values, and possess exceptional manufacturing purchasing experience, a proven track record of cost savings and supplier management, and/or advanced certifications (such as APICS/CPIM).
ABOUT THE COMPANY
ACP Waterjet is building the fastest, most dependable short-turn manufacturing company in the country. We create time for engineers, buyers, and project managers by delivering high-quality parts in days, not weeks. Our core values are:
- Inspirational: We lift each other up and work hard to do our best, pushing for new ideas and better ways to get the job done.
- Commitment: We stick to our promises, making sure every job is done right and on time so our customers can count on us.
- Accountable: We own up to our mistakes and fix them fast, making sure we keep the trust of our team and customers.
- Aligned: We make sure our daily work matches the company’s goals, so we all move in the same direction toward success.
- Transparency: We talk straight and keep everyone in the loop, so there are no surprises, and we can work better together.
- Results-Oriented: We focus on getting the job done well, making sure our hard work leads to real success for the team and the company.
OBJECTIVES
- Purchase raw materials, hardware, tooling, and outside processing services to support production schedules.
- Obtain competitive quotes, negotiate pricing and lead times, and issue accurate purchase orders.
- Monitor open purchase orders and work closely with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.
- Maintain accurate inventory levels and purchasing data within the ERP system.
- Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Sales, Programming, and Quality to ensure material availability and production readiness.
- Build strong supplier relationships while continuously evaluating vendor performance, quality, and cost.
- Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve lead times, and strengthen the supply chain through continuous improvement.
COMPETENCIES
Extreme Attention to Detail
- Consistently verifies specifications, quantities, pricing, purchase orders, and vendor confirmations with a high level of accuracy.
Organization
- Manages multiple purchase orders, suppliers, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
Sense of Urgency
- Responds quickly to production needs and resolves purchasing issues before they impact customer deliveries.
Negotiation
- Builds long-term supplier relationships while securing competitive pricing and reliable delivery.
Communication
- Communicates effectively with vendors and internal departments to ensure everyone has accurate, timely information.
Problem Solving
- Anticipates supply chain issues and develops practical solutions before they affect production.
ERP & Computer Skills
- Comfortable using ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and purchasing software.
Manufacturing Knowledge
- Understands manufacturing processes, material specifications, and production requirements.
Accountability
- Takes ownership of purchasing decisions and follows through until materials are received and verified.
Continuous Improvement
- Looks for opportunities to simplify processes, reduce costs, improve supplier performance, and eliminate waste
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred.
- 2–5 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment required.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and material specifications.
- Experience negotiating pricing, lead times, and supplier agreements.
- Experience purchasing materials in a sheet metal, machining, fabrication, or custom manufacturing environment preferred.
- Knowledge of metals, hardware, tooling, outside processing services, inventory management, and material planning preferred.
- Experience working in a fast-paced, quick-turn manufacturing or job shop environment preferred.
- Familiarity with Fulcrum, Paperless Parts, or similar manufacturing software is a plus.
- Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, APICS, or CPIM certification is a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to sit, stand, and move within the office and production areas as required. Proficiency in computer use for data entry and document review.
- Willingness to work in an office environment within a manufacturing facility.
- Perform work with OSHA-required PPE as applicable.
- Must be able to lift at least 40 lbs.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential requirements
BENEFITS
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Sick Time
- 401K Match
- FSA
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Incentives
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce, ACP Waterjet recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability, and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates, and partners.
If this position caught your eye, send us your resume! For best consideration, include the job title and source where you found this position in the subject line of your email to [email protected]. Already a candidate? Please connect directly with your recruiter to discuss this opportunity.
Pay: $27.00 - $34.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) 6% Match
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
Work Location: In person
