Purchasing & Inventory Coordinator
The Purchasing & Inventory Coordinator is a member of the Value Stream Team responsible for ensuring materials flow smoothly from suppliers to production. This role purchases materials, manages inventory, maintains Kanban systems, and supports production by ensuring the right materials are available at the right time.
Success in this position comes from preventing shortages, maintaining accurate inventory, and continuously improving the systems that keep production moving.
Key ResponsibilitiesPurchasing
- Purchase raw materials, hardware, packaging, and production supplies.
- Create and manage purchase orders.
- Monitor supplier performance and follow up on deliveries.
- Continuously evaluate suppliers to improve cost, quality, delivery, and service, seeking the best overall value rather than simply the lowest price.
- Partner with Engineering to source materials for new products and engineering changes.
Inventory & Material Flow
- Receive, inspect, label, and stock purchased materials.
- Maintain accurate inventory within the ERP system.
- Perform cycle counts and resolve inventory discrepancies.
- Manage Kanban systems and replenish materials to support production.
- Maintain organized inventory locations and receiving areas.
Production Support
- Work closely with Value Stream Managers to anticipate material needs.
- Resolve shortages before they impact production.
- Coordinate material movement to support production flow.
Continuous Improvement
- Improve purchasing, inventory, and material flow processes.
- Develop and maintain standard work.
- Use data to improve inventory accuracy, supplier performance, and material availability.
Qualifications
- Two or more years of purchasing, inventory, warehouse, or manufacturing experience preferred.
- Experience with ERP or MRP systems.
- Proficient with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
- Forklift certification or willingness to become certified.
Skills & Attributes
- Organized and detail-oriented.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Comfortable working in both an office and manufacturing environment.
- Able to prioritize work in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
Lean Mindset
We believe inventory should support production, not become a substitute for good planning. Success in this role requires embracing lean thinking and making purchasing decisions that improve flow throughout the business.
This includes:
- Balancing cost, inventory, lead time, quality, and production needs.
- Avoiding excess inventory simply to achieve price breaks.
- Continuously improving Kanban systems and replenishment methods.
- Building supplier partnerships that support reliable material flow.
What Success Looks Like
- Production has the materials it needs when it needs them.
- Inventory remains accurate and organized.
- Kanban systems are reliable and easy to maintain.
- Supplier performance improves over time.
- Material shortages and excess inventory are minimized.
- Purchasing decisions support flow, quality, and long-term value.
Reports To: Head of Value Streams
Pay: From $45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
