Methods Machine Tools was established in 1958 with three employees and a handful of refurbished machines. Since then, the company has become one of the largest privately owned machine tool importers in North America.
Methods designs and implements custom machining setups, including machine tool selection, automation integration, and turnkey automation cells. The corporate campus in Sudbury, Mass., comprises a showroom/technical center, which contains automation, applications, and a full range of cutting-edge machines. Methods has more than 300 employees, 7 technology centers, 1 high precision machining center, and has installed more than 45,000 machines throughout North America.
Job Summary: The Purchasing Administrator is responsible for supporting procurement and supply chain activities for a CNC machine tool and manufacturing organization. This role coordinates the purchasing of machine components, tooling, service parts, consumables, and indirect materials while ensuring timely delivery, inventory accuracy, and cost efficiency. The Purchasing Administrator works closely with suppliers, service, engineering, warehouse, and finance teams to maintain smooth operations and support customer commitments.
Key Responsibilities:
· Process purchase requisitions and generate purchase orders within the ERP/MRP system.
· Monitor supplier acknowledgements, lead times, and delivery schedules.
· Expedite late or critical orders to support production, machine builds, installations, and service requirements.
· Maintain accurate purchasing records, vendor information, pricing, and item master data.
· Coordinate with engineering and operations regarding material requirements and changes.
· Communicate with suppliers regarding order status, discrepancies, shortages, and returns.
· Assist in sourcing parts, tooling, and machine components from approved vendors.
· Support inventory control initiatives by reviewing stock levels, usage trends, and reorder points.
· Reconcile purchase orders, invoices, and receiving documentation with accounting and warehouse teams.
· Prepare purchasing reports, open order reports, and supplier performance metrics.
· Assist with continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement and supply chain processes.
· Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies and procedures.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred.
· 2–5 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in manufacturing or industrial equipment environments.
· Experience in the CNC machine tool, industrial machinery, or manufacturing industry preferred.
· Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
· Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
· Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
· Strong communication and vendor relationship management skills.
· Analytical and problem-solving abilities with a customer-service mindset.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
· None
Travel Requirements:
· Approximately 25% of time between facilities.
Physical Requirements:
· Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
· Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.
· Ability to walk through warehouse and manufacturing environments as needed.
Additional Information
This job description is designed to provide an overview of basic skills, experiences and education required to perform the job and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee to perform the essential functions of the job. In instances where educational degrees are required, the company will take into consideration factors such as additional experience, training, or certifications in lieu of specific educational requirements.
Methods Machine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.