Inventory/Purchasing Specialist

Company Overview

NoIR stands as a leader in the protective eyewear industry. We are focused on developing, producing, and marketing specialized safety glasses for lasers and non-coherent light sources, and, with a secondary product line, sunglasses, and visual aids for the low vision population.

NoIR is a family-owned company of 50+ people, led by a strong and compassionate management team and offering a casual, friendly workplace. We have been growing for over 50 years by staying focused on our customers, striving to produce and deliver the highest quality eyewear possible, and always recognizing our team is built on everyone’s strengths, talents, and integrity.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Inventory and Purchasing Specialist to manage our company’s inventory and procurement activities and maintain optimal inventory levels. The ideal candidate will be responsible for inventory management, sourcing materials, negotiating with vendors, and ensuring the timely delivery and quality of goods needed for our manufacturing operations. This role is essential for controlling costs, preventing production delays and ensuring the efficient flow of materials. We anticipate a career path into our Purchasing Department with this position.

Main Duties/Responsibilities:

Inventory Management and Control:

• Maintain accurate inventory records using the company's enterprise resource planning (ERP) or inventory management software.
• Monitor stock levels to prevent shortages or overstocking and initiate reorders as needed.
• Conduct regular cycle counts and full physical inventories to verify accuracy and reconcile any discrepancies.
• Analyze usage trends and material requirements to assist with forecasting and adjusting reorder levels.
• Work with production and warehouse teams to ensure all materials are properly labeled, stored and handled.
• Verify incoming shipments against purchase orders to confirm accuracy of quantities and quality.
• Process and reconcile invoices with the accounting department,
• Collaborate with production, sales and management to understand and address procurement needs.
• Receive, inspect, and verify incoming inventory to confirm accuracy against purchase orders.
• Track inventory movement and organize stock in the warehouse to maximize efficiency.
• Work with operational departments and their leadership to execute inventory activities throughout the plant.
• Purchasing and Procurement (Future growth responsibilities):
• Assist Purchasing Manager on orders for raw materials, components, and other manufacturing and office supplies.
• Coordinate with internal departments to understand purchasing needs and ensure timely delivery of goods.
• Execute daily purchasing functions, including the creation and issuance of purchase orders (POs) for raw materials, components, and supplies based on production schedules and reorder points.
• Research and evaluate new suppliers to ensure the best possible quality, pricing, and availability of materials.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to secure favorable contracts and minimize costs.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with vendors to support supply chain reliability and continuous improvement.
• Track and expedite purchase orders, following up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and resolve any delays or discrepancies.
• Work with Sales Department to anticipate future materials requirements and optimize procurement.
• Reporting and Analysis:
• Generate and analyze reports on inventory levels, purchasing costs, supplier performance, and other supply chain activities.
• Provide regular updates to management on inventory status, trends, and potential issues.
• Assist with budgeting by providing insights on material costs and purchasing forecasts.
• Compliance and Problem-Solving:
• Address issues such as incorrect shipments, damaged goods, and delivery delays in a timely manner.
• Ensure all purchasing activities and records comply with company policies and auditing standards.
• Collaborate with warehouse and production teams to resolve material shortages or other operational issues.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Experience: 2+ years proven experience in a purchasing, inventory control, or warehouse operations role, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Education: An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business, or a related field highly preferred.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency with inventory management software and ERP systems (Epicor highly preferred).
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting.
• Personal Attributes:
• Detail-oriented: Meticulous attention to detail to maintain accurate records and identify discrepancies.
• Organizational skills: Strong ability to organize tasks, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with suppliers and internal teams.
• Analytical skills: Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities to resolve inventory and purchasing issues.
• Negotiation: Adept at negotiating with vendors to secure favorable terms and pricing.
• Self Motivated
• Team Player

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.00 - $36.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Inventory management: 2 years (Required)
• Purchasing: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Milford, MI 48381 (Required)

Work Location: In person