Buyer/Material Manager

Description

Job Summary

Responsible for planning, sourcing, and purchasing materials to support production and operational needs. This role ensures inventory accuracy and integrity, including material organization, adequate supply, cycle counting, and disposition of overstock and obsolete product. The Buyer / Material Manager will monitor inbound shipments, manage supplier relationships, and ensure timely availability of required materials while maintaining alignment within the inventory management system (CASper)

Job Responsibilities

• Create, manage, and maintain purchase orders within the inventory management system (CASper)
• Purchase materials for weekly stock needs as well as to fill requisition and special-order requirements

• Assume ownership of all outsourced and buyout purchase orders, transitioning responsibility from Project Managers to Purchasing
• Monitor inbound shipments and coordinate with vendors to ensure timely delivery of materials
• Contact vendors regarding status of material ordered, backorders, and discrepancies; resolve issues as needed
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships; manage supplier performance and support vendor reporting initiatives

• Use weekly cycle counts, requisitions, Min/Max planning, and physical inspection to ensure optimal inventory levels are maintained

• Administer and process cycle counts to ensure accurate inventory levels, including root cause analysis of discrepancies and implementation of  corrective actions
• Update and maintain accurate on-hand inventory within CASper and ensure proper item setup, labeling, and barcode management
• Manage inventory storage, tracking, and material usage procedures, including stock, non-stock, obsolete, and discontinued items
• Support and ensure accuracy of Bills of Materials (BOMs) in coordination with plant leadership

• Own special-order and buyout material management, including sourcing, tracking, and lead time communication for non-stock and outsourced items
• Oversee receiving processes by ensuring materials are properly received, inspected, and documented; coordinate resolution of damages or shortages with vendors
• Ensure alignment between purchasing activities and inventory records within CASper

• Perform ongoing cost reduction and containment activities to ensure the lowest overall cost is achieved
• Support inventory management practices that minimize dollar investment, increase inventory turns, and improve cash flow

• Provide information and support for financial reporting, including inventory valuation and variance analysis
• Drive continuous improvement in purchasing procedures and system utilization
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education and Experience

· Previous purchasing, supply chain, or materials management experience required (3–5+ years preferred)

· Experience in a manufacturing or production environment strongly preferred