Purchasing Specialist

Position Overview:

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for purchase order entries, change orders, invoice reconciliation, price checks, market research, report preparation and systems data maintenance. This is an entry-level position. The ideal candidate will have held a procurement related position, work well in a team environment, as well as independently. Candidates must be able to work in a fast paced environment, be able to negotiate, have solid analytical skills, and communicate well.

Essential Job Functions:

• Negotiate with vendors for goods and services for best price and service guarantee, while working to build positive, co-creative relationships.
• Purchase materials required for production, according to inventory management plan.
• Process requisitions and purchase orders.
• Submit documents such as Request for Information (RFI), Request for Quote (RFQ), and Request for Proposal (RFP) to selected suppliers and coordinate responses.
• Support Accounting in matching invoices and clearing discrepancies.
• Coordinate delivery of products to EMI locations.
• Maintain accurate data in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
• Facilitate and communicate order issue resolutions with departments and suppliers.
• Work with EMI and suppliers on any shipping or customs clearance issues.
• Assist in reconciliation of materials with suppliers and EMI locations.

• After order has been put through:
  • Ensure Bill of Materials (BOM) and routing are checked
  • Generate Shop orders
  • Release Shop orders
    • Print/separate shop packet
    • Distribute Pick Lists to inventory control associates
    • Distribute shop packet to Wood Shop and Metal Shop Supervisors
• Close job when it is completed
• Collect and monitor inventory data. Perform inventory reconciliation.
• Complete weekly and monthly purchase order reports.
• Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Thorough working knowledge of purchasing policies, processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of production planning and purchase order placement.
• Knowledge of warehouse and inventory control policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of material work planning and methods engineering processes and procedures.
• Ability to negotiate vendor terms, pricing and delivery based on specific budget and schedule requirements. Able to adjust approach according to tolerances required for each job.
• Ability to calculate, analyze, and interpret mathematical and statistical information such as percent differences, ratios, median, mean, weighted average, regression, etc.
• Win-win attitude that contributes to co-creative relationship with suppliers.
• Proven ability to plan for and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Must be a self-starter, detailed oriented, and have the ability to work independently.
• Project management skills. Ability to effectively manage and execute multiple tasks, projects and priorities.
• Computer literate. Understanding of how inventory is managed in ERP systems. Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills required (e.g., formulas such as V-lookup, graphs, pivot tables).
• Strong analytical skills required. Must be detail-oriented and pay close attention to accuracy.
• Strong planning skills required.
• Team player with constructive and respectful attitude.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in reading prints.
• Project management skills.
• Must be able to work quickly and independently with minimal supervision.

Education and/or Experience:

• Ability to use tape measure, calipers, and other appropriate measurements and checking equipment.
• Three (3) years purchasing experience in manufacturing environment, preferably in metal fabrication desired.
• Experience with ERP / inventory control systems.
• Some college preferred.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee will have prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The employee may be required to lift/carry objects of up to 20 pounds. The employee is also required to have better than average dexterity to use hands to, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The working conditions are those of a normal office. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to dust and other particles found as part of the wood and metal manufacturing process. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

EMI Industries, an LSI company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Pay may be based on location. Offers will be adjusted based on an individual’s experience, education, and other job-related factors as permitted by law. This description does not alter the at-will status of employment.