Purchasing Specialist

Position Summary: The Purchasing Specialist is a key member of the Operations Team and serves as the primary liaison between Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Planning, Logistics, and Suppliers. This role is responsible for sourcing materials, equipment, and services required to support production, inventory, and customer requirements while ensuring cost competitiveness, quality, and on-time delivery. Working within a high-tech manufacturing environment, the Purchasing Specialist develops and maintains supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and commercial terms, manages procurement activities, and supports supply chain initiatives that drive operational efficiency and business growth. This position contributes to inventory optimization, supplier performance management, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement efforts to ensure a reliable and responsive supply chain. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:    - Prepare and manage Requests for Quote (RFQs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and supplier bid evaluations. - Purchase raw materials, production components, equipment, tooling, supplies, and services required to support manufacturing and customer requirements. - Develop and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers while monitoring supplier performance, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and overall service levels. - Lead supplier negotiations related to pricing, contracts, payment terms, lead times, delivery schedules, and technical capabilities. - Create, review, and process purchase orders while ensuring alignment with production schedules, inventory requirements, and customer demand. - Monitor supplier deliveries and expedite materials as necessary to minimize production disruptions and maintain production schedules. - Resolve issues related to supplier performance, shipping delays, quality concerns, damaged goods, invoicing discrepancies, and other procurement-related challenges. - Analyze supplier quotations, pricing proposals, market trends, and financial information to support competitive sourcing decisions. - Research, evaluate, and qualify suppliers based on quality, cost, service, delivery performance, technical capability, capacity, and business risk. - Maintain and manage approved supplier lists, supplier onboarding activities, qualification processes, and supplier audits. - Support compliance with ISO 9001 Business/Quality Management System requirements, purchasing procedures, and customer-specific requirements. - Collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and Planning teams to ensure continuity of supply and achieve optimal technical and commercial outcomes. - Review and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, vendor technical documentation, and manufacturability requirements to support purchasing activities. - Monitor inventory levels and material demand to support production schedules and inventory optimization initiatives. - Track market conditions, material availability, pricing trends, and supply chain risks to support strategic procurement decisions. - Develop and maintain supplier contracts, pricing agreements, and procurement records. - Manage procurement data and ensure accurate information is maintained within ERP/MRP systems. - Develop, track, and report supplier Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive supplier performance improvement, risk reduction, and cost optimization. - Support supplier development initiatives, process improvements, value engineering activities, and cost-reduction projects. - Coordinate freight, duties, and transportation requirements associated with purchased materials and services. - Participate in continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives that enhance procurement processes, supplier performance, and supply chain effectiveness. - Comply with all safety, environmental, ethical sourcing, and company policy requirements. - Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Required Skills and Abilities: - Strong understanding of manufacturing technologies, including CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, assembly processes, and product testing/qualification. - Deep understanding of engineering drawings, technical specifications, vendor technical documentation, and manufacturing requirements. - Ability to review, interpret, and analyze engineering drawings, technical specifications, contracts, supplier documentation, and reports to support sourcing decisions, supplier management, and procurement activities. - Demonstrated negotiation skills with the ability to achieve favorable commercial and contractual outcomes. - Strong supplier relationship management and supplier development capabilities. - Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. - Strong organizational and project management abilities with the capability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively. - Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and procurement software. - Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. - Knowledge of procurement best practices, inventory management principles, and supply chain concepts. - Working knowledge of ISO 9001 Business/Quality Management Systems and purchasing controls. - Ability to analyze procurement and supplier performance data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities. - Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. - Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization and with external suppliers. - Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment. - Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to comprehend safety procedures, work instructions, policies, contracts, purchasing documentation, and technical requirements. Education and Experience: - Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred. - Minimum of five (5) years of procurement, purchasing, technical buyer, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment. - Experience purchasing raw materials, fabricated components, production equipment, tooling, and manufacturing services preferred. - Experience in high-tech manufacturing, semiconductor, aerospace, medical device, or similar regulated industries preferred. - Experience negotiating supplier agreements, pricing contracts, and commercial terms. - Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems in a procurement or purchasing role. - Experience with supplier qualification, supplier auditing, and supplier performance management preferred. - Knowledge of ISO 9001 purchasing processes and quality management system requirements. Physical Requirements: - Ability to sit for prolonged periods while working at a computer and reviewing procurement documentation. - Ability to move throughout office, warehouse, and production areas, including walking and standing as needed. - Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally. - Ability to concentrate and remain focused in a fast-paced office and manufacturing environment. Occasional travel may be required for training or coordination with other VDL locations.