Purchasing Manager

About Us

Circuit Assembly is a leading manufacturer of custom connectors, cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and box builds with locations in the U.S. and Asia. For over 50 years, we have supported world-class OEMs in automotive, industrial, medical, aerospace, and consumer electronics with precision-engineered manufacturing solutions.

We are seeking an experienced, highly organized Purchasing Manager to join our Irvine headquarters. This is a critical, high-visibility role responsible for managing our supply chain, optimizing costs, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of materials needed for production.

About the Role

As the Purchasing Manager at Circuit Assembly, you will serve as the primary procurement resource company-wide. You will drive purchasing strategy, oversee vendor negotiations, and support production planning to meet customer demand. Your ability to manage inventory, forecast material needs, and build strong supplier partnerships will directly support our manufacturing operations and company growth.

This role requires exceptional communication skills, strong vendor management capability, a high EQ, and proven experience operating in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Do

• Manage company-wide procurement for raw materials, components, equipment, and services.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to support cost reduction and production goals.
• Source and qualify new suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and reliability.
• Prepare, issue, amend, and close purchase orders; review requisitions, quotes, and bid packages.
• Monitor supplier performance, conduct supplier business reviews, and maintain key vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with production teams to plan materials based on inventory levels, customer demand, and sales forecasts.
• Maintain accurate ERP data related to purchasing, inventory levels, and lead times.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures and external audit requirements (AS9100, ITAR).
• Support international logistics, including shipments to/from Asia.
• Drive continuous improvement in purchasing processes and supply chain efficiency.

What You Bring

• 7–10 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• BA/BS in Business, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems, purchasing best practices, and inventory control.
• Excellent negotiation, communication (written and verbal), and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organized with strong analytical abilities and attention to detail.
• Experience with international shipping and working with overseas manufacturing teams.
• Ability to partner effectively with sales, production, engineering, shipping/receiving, and finance.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a strong sense of urgency.
• Experience with AS9100 and ITAR compliance is a significant plus.

(this is an in office role – remote work not available and remote applicants will not be considered)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Procurement: 7 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Irvine, CA 92618 (Required)

Work Location: In person