Purchasing Manager

Position Summary

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for sourcing, ordering, and maintaining supply continuity for all production‑related materials used in an injection molding environment. This includes raw resin, colorants, additives, packaging, MRO supplies, and outside‑service components. This role ensures competitive pricing, reliable vendor performance, and on‑time delivery to support a 24/5 manufacturing schedule across 18 injection molding machines.

The Purchasing Specialist works closely with Scheduling, Materials, Quality, and Engineering to support efficient production flow and customer on‑time delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Material Ordering

• Source and purchase resins, colorants, additives, and packaging used in molding operations.
• Issue purchase orders (POs) based on inventory levels, production schedules, and forecasted demand.
• Maintain safety stock levels and prevent shortages that could interrupt production.
• Manage emergency orders during resin deviations, material changes, or expedited customer needs.
• Evaluate alternate materials or suppliers as needed for cost or availability.

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with resin suppliers, compounders, packaging vendors, and service providers.
• Obtain quotes, negotiate prices, and secure competitive terms.
• Track vendor performance (on‑time delivery, accuracy, quality issues).
• Coordinate with Quality for supplier selection, audits, and corrective actions.

Inventory & ERP Accuracy

• Monitor resin and material usage through ERP/MRP systems.
• Update material costs, lead times, and supplier data.
• Review inventory consumption trends and align orders with production demand.
• Assist Materials Manager with reconciling discrepancies in raw material counts.

Production Coordination

• Work closely with Production Scheduler to ensure adequate materials for upcoming runs.
• Respond quickly to material shortages or blend issues at the machines.
• Support Engineering with material trials, sample orders, and new tooling launches.
• Communicate material arrival status to shift supervisors and materials handlers.

Cost Management & Analysis

• Track resin market trends, surcharges, and cost changes.
• Analyze spending data and develop cost‑reduction opportunities.
• Support annual budgeting and price forecasting.
• Compare supplier quotes and document decision rationale.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate PO files, COAs, MSDS, REACH/RoHS compliance documents, and supplier certifications.
• Ensure materials meet customer and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with PPAP certifications by securing required material documentation.
• Follow purchasing policies to comply with ISO 9001 or IATF standards (if applicable).

Qualifications

Required

• 2–4 years of purchasing or supply‑chain experience (manufacturing preferred).
• Understanding of raw materials (especially plastics resin).
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Epicor, IQMS, SAP, etc.).
• Strong negotiation, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced production environment.

Preferred

• Experience in injection molding or plastics manufacturing.
• Knowledge of resin market pricing, material handling equipment, and common molding materials (PP, PE, ABS, PC, nylon, etc.).
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other quality systems.
• Basic understanding of inventory control, logistics, and warehouse operations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On‑time supplier delivery performance
• Purchase price variance (PPV)
• Resin/material shortage incidents
• Inventory accuracy related to purchased goods
• Supplier quality performance
• Material cost savings initiatives

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Office and manufacturing floor exposure.
• Ability to lift and inspect materials/packaging up to 25–40 lbs. occasionally.
• Work with vendors, machine operators, quality technicians, and warehouse staff daily.