Position Overview:

• This position is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing raw materials, supplies, and equipment essential to our production processes. This role requires close coordination with suppliers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure cost-effective purchasing and timely delivery of quality materials. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, result-driven individual with strong communication skills.

Essential Job Functions:

• Sourcing and Procurement
• Identify and evaluate suppliers, vendors, and service providers for raw materials, such as rubber compounds, synthetic materials, and production machinery.
• Develop and maintain relationships with reliable suppliers to ensure consistent quality and availability of materials.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery terms to achieve cost savings and quality standards.
• Order Management
• Prepare and issue purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and adherence to budget requirements.
• Track and manage order status, delivery timelines, and inventory levels to prevent production disruptions.
• Resolve any order discrepancies or issues with suppliers and adjust orders as necessary.
• Inventory Control
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with production teams to forecast material needs.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels to avoid excess inventory and minimize waste.
• Assist in implementing inventory control systems to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Quality Assurance
• Collaborate with the quality control department to ensure materials meet specifications and quality standards.
• Work with suppliers to resolve any quality issues or discrepancies, implementing corrective actions when necessary.
• Vendor Relations
• Maintain open communication with vendors and establish long-term partnerships.
• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews to ensure alignment with company goals.
• Research and evaluate new vendors to diversify supply sources and reduce risk.
• Reporting and Analysis
• Prepare regular reports on purchasing activities, costs, and budget variances.
• Analyze market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain challenges to provide recommendations to the management team.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management; experience in manufacturing, especially rubber or similar industries, is highly desirable.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with a solid understanding of purchasing best practices.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of inventory management principles and cost reduction strategies.

Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field, preferred.
• Completion of company indoctrination.
• Successful completion of safety training programs.
• Understanding of the company’s Quality System and processes.