Position Summary
The Purchasing Specialist / Technical Buyer is responsible for sourcing, procuring, and managing the materials, components, and services required to support the production of aluminum boats. This role ensures the timely, cost-effective acquisition of raw materials, fabricated parts, marine hardware, and subcontracted services while maintaining strong supplier relationships and supporting production schedules.
Working closely with Engineering, Production, Sales, and Finance, the Purchasing Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the manufacturing operation is consistently supported with the right materials at the right time—contributing directly to on-time delivery, product quality, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
1. Procurement of Materials & Components
- Source, evaluate, and purchase materials essential to aluminum boat manufacturing, including:
- Aluminum sheet, extrusion, and plate
- Marine-grade hardware, electrical, and rigging systems
- Paint, coatings, adhesives, and consumables
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supplier terms to achieve competitive cost and reliable delivery.
- Issue and manage purchase orders in accordance with company policies and production requirements.
- Track orders, deliveries, and shipments, resolving discrepancies, shortages, or quality concerns promptly.
2. Technical & Engineered Purchasing Support
- Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials (BOMs) to identify purchasing requirements.
- Liaise with Engineering and Production teams to clarify technical requirements and ensure material compatibility.
- Support new product introductions by ensuring supplier readiness and timely material availability.
3. Supplier Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, distributors, and marine industry suppliers.
- Evaluate supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and service metrics.
- Collaborate with suppliers to resolve availability challenges, substitutions, or specification issues.
- Participate in supplier development initiatives, audits, and continuous improvement efforts.
4. Production & Cross-Functional Coordination
- Work closely with the Plant Manager, Engineering team, and Scheduling to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing flow.
- Support project timelines by aligning purchasing activity with build schedules.
- Assist with cost tracking, budgeting, and reporting to support operational and financial objectives.
5. Inventory & Process Improvement
- Monitor inventory levels and reorder points to avoid stockouts or excess inventory.
- Maintain accurate procurement and supplier records within Excel.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings, lead time reduction, and process improvements.
- Contribute ideas and support initiatives aligned with Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence.
6. Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure all purchases comply with marine industry standards, safety requirements, and internal quality expectations.
- Maintain accurate documentation including purchase orders, supplier files, and material certifications where required.
- Support adherence to company procurement procedures and audit readiness.
Qualifications
Education
- Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred.
Experience
- 3–5 years of purchasing/procurement experience in a manufacturing environment required.
- Experience in marine, aluminum fabrication, automotive, aerospace, or other technical manufacturing industries strongly preferred.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing specifications.
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
- Strong communication skills and collaborative mindset across cross-functional teams.
- Results-driven with a continuous improvement orientation.
Pay: $28.00-$32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
