Job Description
Job Description
Position Overview
A manufacturer of electrical cable assemblies and wire harnesses is seeking a driven and detail-oriented
Purchasing Agent / Buyer / Planner to support its fast-paced and quality-driven operations. This role is
responsible for planning and procuring materials in support of Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing, ensuring
production schedules are met efficiently, accurately, and cost-effectively.
The ideal candidate will be experienced in manufacturing or electronics environments, possess strong planning
and communication skills, and demonstrate a solid understanding of cost structures and how procurement
decisions impact inventory valuation and financial reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and procure raw materials, components, and production supplies aligned with build schedules and
forecasts.
Generate and manage purchase orders based on MRP outputs or planning needs, ensuring timely and
accurate delivery.
Coordinate closely with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to support ongoing builds,
prototypes, and engineering changes.
Maintain accurate item master data, including costs and units of measure, in the ERP system.
Manage supplier relationships and resolve delivery, pricing, or quality issues as needed.
Monitor inventory levels to support JIT objectives while minimizing excess.
Support vendor consolidation and cost-saving initiatives.
Track and report key performance indicators, including delivery accuracy, cost variances, and inventory
turnover.
Collaborate with the CFO and accounting team during month-end close to analyze material cost
variances and ensure accurate reporting.
Understand and ensure proper use of standard cost, last cost, and unit-of-measure accuracy.
Demonstrate working knowledge of the cost rollup procedure and how material costs affect final product
cost.
Ensure that incorrect cost entries are identified and corrected to protect inventory valuation accuracy.
Assist with compliance and documentation required for customer, audit, and regulatory standards.
Qualifications
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Manufacturing, or related field, or
equivalent experience in a manufacturing environment.
At least 3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or planning within manufacturing or
electronics.
Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Epicor, SAP, Oracle) and maintaining item-level
purchasing data.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel for procurement analysis, reporting, and inventory tracking.
Understanding of cost rollups, standard vs. last cost, and unit-of-measure impacts on inventory and cost
reporting.
Strong organizational, analytical, and negotiation skills.
Collaborative mindset with a team-oriented approach and excellent communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in the electrical, electromechanical, or cable/wire harness sector is a plus.
APICS CPIM or CSCP certification.
Experience with ISO 9001, AS9100, or other quality systems.
Knowledge of kanban, lean manufacturing, or vendor-managed inventory models.
Familiarity with cost accounting principles related to manufacturing.