Purchasing Manager
Purchasing Manager, welding automation company, responsible for all aspects of purchasing, including sourcing and acquiring raw materials, specialized components, robotics and automation components, subcontracted services and materials, and tools required to engineer, build, and integrate custom welding solutions. Manage the supplier base, negotiate costs, and ensure materials arrive on time to meet project deadlines.
Includes placing or overseeing the placing of all orders on direct material parts and MRO items, and handling associated Returns to Vendors. More importantly, it involves purchasing outsourced materials and technical/engineering services, metals purchasing, and service contract purchasing, plus blanket orders and helping identify and fix inventory errors.
Key Responsibilities
- Sourcing & Procurement: Procure mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic components, robotics parts, steel, welding consumables (wire, gas, rod), and PLC hardware
- Supplier Management: Research, evaluate, monitor, and audit suppliers for capabilities, quality, and financial stability. Build long-term relationships with key vendors. Document, database and share information about vendors.
- Cost Control & Negotiation: Negotiate pricing, terms, and shipping to reduce purchasing costs and improve Purchase Price Variance (PPV). Consider blanket orders or long-term contracts. Understand Profit & Loss impacts, not only component pricing considerations. Understand, use and review EOQ (Economic Order Quantity) system.
- Project Support: Work with Engineering and Project Management to review BOMs (Bill of Materials) and technical drawings for accurate quoting and purchasing. Help make build vs. buy decisions. Inform Sales and Application Engineering of cost and price increases.
- Expediting & Inventory Management: Track orders and expedite delivery of critical items to prevent assembly delays. Monitor inventory levels in the ERP system. Manage and monitor returns to vendors and related warranty claims. Enter and update Purchasing status reports/comments in Job Status database.
- ERP Utilization: Create and process Purchase Orders (POs) in ERP system Encompix/Aptean (like Kinetic, SAP, or Sage. but tailored for Job Shop environment), ensuring accurate data entry.
- Quality Assurance: Resolve supplier non-conformance issues (rejected parts) and invoice discrepancies.
- Export Management: Participate in export administration, planning for export shipping, including directing out-of-the-country shipments and obtaining necessary export licensing and/or permission from the Department of Commerce or War.
Requirements
- Experience: 3+ years of purchasing or buying experience in a manufacturing, automation, and/or heavy metal fabrication environment.
- Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with machining, fabrication, welding consumables, electrical components, and industrial supplies (e.g., motors, drives, electronic control components, actuators, sensors, relays, CNC components).
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in business or supply chain preferred, or equivalent experience.
- Skills: Proficiency in ERP/MRP software (Job Shop environment) and Microsoft Excel.
- Technical Interpretation: Ability to read and understand technical drawings, blueprints, and BOMs.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- On-time delivery from suppliers.
- Purchase Price Variance (PPV) reduction.
- Inventory accuracy.
- Reduction of non-conforming materials.
Job Type: Full-Time
Classification: Hourly or Salary, Exempt from Overtime
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM CST.
Salary Information: $28.00 - $47.00 per hour plus Bonus and 401k Match.
Pay: $28.00 - $47.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
