Purchasing Agent

Position Summary

The Buyer I is responsible for purchasing materials, supplies, tooling, and services required to support manufacturing operations. Working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Inventory teams, this position ensures materials are available on time, at competitive prices, and meet company quality standards. The Buyer I develops supplier relationships, processes purchase orders, monitors delivery schedules, and supports continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain. This is a full-time position Monday - Friday 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and process purchase orders for raw materials, production supplies, tooling, and subcontract services.
• Monitor inventory levels and replenish materials to maintain production schedules.
• Review material requirements generated through the ERP/MRP system.
• Obtain quotations from suppliers and evaluate pricing, lead times, and delivery performance.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding order status, delivery schedules, quality concerns, and invoice discrepancies.
• Track open purchase orders and expedite late deliveries when necessary.
• Coordinate with Production Planning to ensure material availability.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, and pricing within the ERP system.
• Assist with supplier selection and performance evaluations.
• Support cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations and sourcing opportunities.
• Work with Receiving and Quality departments to resolve material nonconformances and supplier issues.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies and applicable quality standards.
• Participate in inventory counts and reconciliation activities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and purchasing experience will be considered.

Experience

• 1-3 years of purchasing, procurement, manufacturing, or supply chain experience preferred.
• Experience in a machine shop, CNC manufacturing, aerospace, or precision manufacturing environment is a plus.

Required Skills

• Basic understanding of purchasing and inventory management principles.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with suppliers and internal departments.

Preferred Knowledge

• CNC machining processes.
• Raw materials including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, plastics, and specialty alloys.
• Cutting tools, machine shop consumables, and production supplies.
• Manufacturing drawings and basic blueprint interpretation.
• ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality systems a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to walk through manufacturing and warehouse areas.
• Occasional exposure to noise and industrial equipment while visiting the production floor.

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based within a manufacturing facility, with regular interaction on the production floor and in warehouse areas. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when entering manufacturing areas.

Key Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Integrity and Ethics
• Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Planning and Organization
• Problem Solving
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Negotiation
• Continuous Improvement

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Absolute Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Arlington, WA 98223 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Arlington, WA 98223: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $28