Buyer / Purchasing Specialist – Manufacturing

We are seeking a mid-senior level Buyer/Purchasing professional in manufacturing to coordinate material requirements, capacity, and scheduling to meet customer demand while optimizing inventory levels. The role includes creating production schedules, monitoring progress, managing inventory, and collaborating with procurement and logistics to prevent shortages and ensure on-time delivery.

Key Responsibilities

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• Production Scheduling: Develop weekly and monthly production plans and schedules, aligning manufacturing activities with sales forecasts and customer demand.
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• Inventory Optimization: Analyze inventory levels to maintain optimal stock, minimize excess, and prevent shortages of raw materials and finished goods.
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• MRP/ERP Management: Use ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, MES) to release manufacturing orders and maintain accurate inventory records.
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• Material Coordination: Collaborate with Procurement to align material availability with production schedules.
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• Troubleshooting: Monitor production progress and adjust schedules to accommodate maintenance, machine downtime, or changing demand.
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• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, reduce waste, and improve KPIs such as on-time delivery.
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Required Skills and Qualifications

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• Technical Proficiency: Strong experience with ERP/MRP systems (like SAP or Oracle) and MS Excel/SQL.
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• Experience: 3–5 years as a buyer and purchasing professional.
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• Skills: Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills, with proactive problem-solving abilities.
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Must Have

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• 3–5 years of experience in buyer and purchasing functions.
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• Strong proficiency with ERP/MRP systems.
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• Strong proficiency with MS Excel/SQL.
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• Experience with purchasing and production-related scheduling, including lead times, supplier coordination, payments, and air shipping, and working with distributors.
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• Manufacturing material and production planning, including aligning material requirements with capacity, demand, lead times, and production schedules.
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• Inventory optimization and materials control, including preventing shortages, reducing excess inventory, and maintaining accurate requirements and order data.
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• Supplier, purchasing, and logistics coordination, including distributor/supplier follow-up, payment and shipping coordination, air-freight handling where applicable, and resolving supply or production issues.
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Location & Availability

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• Onsite role in Prospect, Connecticut; regular daily presence is preferred.
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• Practical search area includes Prospect and the Greater Waterbury/Naugatuck Valley region (Waterbury, Naugatuck, Wolcott, Cheshire, Middlebury, Watertown, Bethany, and nearby New Haven-area communities) with a target ~30–45 minute one-way commute; shorter for a five-day onsite schedule.
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• Relocation assistance is limited; exceptional candidates will be considered for relocation on a direct-hire basis.
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• Visa sponsorship is not available.
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• Open positions: 1
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