What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electronics Purchaser position at Arbiter Systems, Inc.?
Electronics Purchaser
Arbiter Systems Inc. – Paso Robles, CA
We are seeking an Electronics Purchaser to support our manufacturing operations. This role is ideal for someone who understands that effective purchasing is more than placing orders—it requires critical thinking, planning, and proactive communication to keep production running smoothly.
The right candidate will take ownership of material availability by managing suppliers, anticipating long lead times, and making thoughtful purchasing decisions based on price, product lifecycle, and actual usage. This position requires someone who follows through, solves problems independently, and communicates early to help prevent production delays.
This is a hands-on role in a small manufacturing environment. The Electronics Purchaser may occasionally assist with shipping/receiving, stockroom organization, and light production assembly when needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and manage purchase orders and communicate delivery status to production.
- Proactively follow up with suppliers to confirm orders, monitor lead times, and ensure materials arrive when promised.
- Analyze historical usage, current demand, and product lifecycle when determining order quantities.
- Manage purchasing for products approaching end-of-life, ensuring appropriate quantities are ordered based on actual need rather than simply repeating prior orders.
- Proactively review Bills of Materials (BOMs) to identify obsolete or end-of-life components and determine appropriate purchasing strategies based on usage, remaining product life, and production demand.
- Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies and procedures, including sourcing materials from approved vendor lists and authorized distributors.
- Obtain and evaluate supplier quotes to ensure competitive and fair pricing.
- Maintain strong supplier relationships and resolve vendor-related issues.
- Coordinate outside processing and services including scheduling and logistics.
- Maintain organized inventory flow between purchasing, receiving, and production.
- Assist with shipping, receiving, stockroom organization, and occasional production assembly as needed.
- Manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
What We’re Looking For
- Someone who takes ownership, collaborates with others to solve problems, and follows issues through to resolution.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to anticipate material shortages before they impact production.
- A practical thinker who can analyze where parts are used and make informed purchasing decisions.
- Comfortable working independently and prioritizing tasks without constant direction.
- Strong communication skills with vendors and internal teams.
Requirements
- Experience working with MRP/ERP systems.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Experience in purchasing and/or materials coordination in a manufacturing environment preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to safely lift and move items weighing up to 40 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to safely use rolling stockroom ladder and work in a stockroom environment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
For immediate consideration, please send your resume and cover letter to HR1@arbiter.com.