• Process requisitions and create accurate purchase orders within the ERP system in accordance with company purchasing policies and procedures.
• Purchase packaging products including boxes, cartons, pallets, dunnage, labels, and protective materials.
• Source and procure raw materials such as steel and alloy bar stock, plate, castings, and forgings to support CNC machining operations.
• Purchase assembly components including O-rings, seals, fasteners, screws, pins, fittings, and related hardware.
• Procure and coordinate outside vendor special processes including heat treating, plating, coating, grinding, anodizing, and other subcontract services.
• Purchase machine shop consumables including coolants, oils, lubricants, and related fluids while maintaining SDS compliance.

• Track and actively follow up on open purchase orders, expediting materials and services as required to meet production schedules.
• Proactively communicate delivery risks, shortages, or delays to Production, Planning, Quality, and Management.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, and payment terms consistent with a competitive machining job shop environment.
• Maintain approved supplier lists and support ongoing supplier qualification and development efforts.
• Identify alternate and backup suppliers to reduce single-source risk and improve supply chain resilience.

• Monitor ERP reports, production schedules, and shop priorities to align purchasing actions with real-time manufacturing needs.
• Support inventory management objectives by balancing availability, turns, and cost.
• Assist with cycle counting and inventory accuracy initiatives.
• Respond quickly to material shortages, expedites, and supplier disruptions to minimize machine downtime.

• Participate in supplier corrective actions and nonconformance resolution in coordination with Quality.
• Support cost reduction and cost avoidance initiatives through sourcing strategies, negotiation, and continuous improvement.
• Track pricing variances and support year-over-year cost improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with Engineering on print changes, material specifications, and sourcing feasibility.
• Coordinate with Accounting to resolve invoice discrepancies, pricing issues, and accruals.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Maintain Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documentation and coordinate with EHS on new materials introduced into the facility.
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing experience.
• Minimum two (2) years of buyer or purchasing experience in a machining, manufacturing, or job shop environment.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining operations, raw materials, outside processing, and shop consumables.
• Experience supporting high-mix, low-volume production with changing priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• ERP experience for purchase order management, item maintenance, and lead-time control (JobBOSS² preferred).
• Knowledge of supply chain fundamentals including lead times, capacity constraints, and supplier risk.
• Familiarity with machining-related quality systems (ISO, AS9100, or customer-specific requirements preferred).
• Strong negotiation, organization, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to verify accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to bend, twist, crouch, and walk through a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a seated office environment with occasional shop floor presence.
• Ability to work in a noisy manufacturing environment.

We Make it Easy

Founded in 1901, MRA is a nonprofit employer association that serves more than 4,000 employers, covering more than one million employees.

As one of the largest employer associations in the nation, MRA helps its member organizations thrive by offering the most comprehensive assortment of HR services, information, education, and resources to help build successful workplaces and a powerful workforce.

We partner with these companies working directly with their HR department and leadership to hire their talent. We are a direct line to the company, not an agency recruiter.