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