Dayton / Kettering, OH | No Relocation
Production stops without this role.
If you chase suppliers, move fast, and take ownership—apply now.
If you’re a passive buyer waiting on emails, this is not your job.
Why This Role Matters
We are a custom metal parts manufacturer specializing in high‑complexity, low‑volume production. With a massive library of unique SKUs and highly specific customer requirements, purchasing here is mission‑critical, not clerical.
We’re not looking for someone to place orders.
We’re looking for a hands‑on manufacturing buyer who understands that the right material, at the right time, keeps production moving.
The Role
You are the primary owner of raw material and hardware purchasing—steel, aluminum, specialty alloys, and production‑critical components.
Your mandate:
- Keep machinists supplied
- Keep inventory lean
- Keep suppliers accountable
- Keep production moving
This role is phone‑heavy, deadline‑driven, and execution‑focused.
What You’ll Do
- Create and manage purchase orders in ERP (Baan or similar)
- Track open POs, delivery dates, and supplier commitments
- Reprice and validate supplier pricing
- Escalate late or missed shipments (phone‑first communication)
- Manage high‑SKU inventory to avoid shortages and excess
- Support CAPEX and critical production orders
- Provide material status updates to leadership
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Operations
What You Bring
- 2+ years Buyer / Purchasing Agent experience in manufacturing
- Hands‑on ERP experience (PO creation and order management)
- Strong ERP / MRP background (Baan, LN, Epicor, JobBOSS, Global Shop, or similar)
- Proven success managing supplier delays and escalations
- Comfortable in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
- Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, tracking)
- Confident on the phone—you act, you don’t wait
Nice to Have
- Purchasing experience with steel, aluminum, specialty alloys
- CAPEX purchasing exposure
- High‑mix / low‑volume or job shop manufacturing background
- MRP and inventory management knowledge
- Familiarity with commodity pricing volatility
Reality Check
This role involves:
- Frequent supplier follow‑ups
- Phone‑heavy communication
- Managing urgent delivery issues
- Fast pivots as custom project requirements change
If pressure sharpens your focus, you’ll thrive.
If not, this role will feel overwhelming.
Bottom Line
Production stops without you.
If you take ownership and keep the shop floor running—apply today.
Manufacturing purchasing experience required.