Purchasing Specialist

Overview
A growing manufacturing organization is seeking a highly experienced Purchasing Specialist to support procurement operations at its Stevensville, Maryland facility. This role is responsible for the end-to-end sourcing and procurement of raw materials, components, and services required to support ongoing production. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in manufacturing purchasing, supplier management, and cost optimization while ensuring all materials meet strict quality and delivery requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify domestic and international suppliers for raw materials, components, and equipment
• Lead RFQ processes and negotiate pricing, contracts, and long-term supply agreements
• Develop cost-saving strategies and supplier partnerships
• Create, process, and track purchase orders (POs) from entry through receipt
• Ensure data accuracy within ERP/MRP systems
• Monitor order status and resolve delays or discrepancies
• Partner closely with engineering and production teams
• Align procurement with technical requirements and production schedules
• Ensure timely availability of materials to support manufacturing operations
• Monitor inventory levels and reorder points
• Prevent stockouts while minimizing excess inventory
• Track raw material pricing trends and prepare purchasing reports
• Evaluate supplier performance related to quality, reliability, and delivery
• Address defects, shortages, and supplier issues
• Implement corrective actions when necessary

Required Qualifications

• 6–9 years of procurement or supply chain experience
• Strong background working within a manufacturing environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field preferred

Technical Skills

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as:
• SAP
• Oracle
• IBM AS/400
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel including:
• Pivot Tables
• VLOOKUPs
• Data analysis and reporting
• Strong understanding of:
• Manufacturing processes
• Procurement lead times
• Reading engineering drawings and blueprints

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional supply chain certifications such as:
• APICS certifications
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
• Experience with Lean or Six Sigma continuous improvement initiatives
• Familiarity with global sourcing and international logistics