Purchasing Manager

Job title- Purchasing Manager

Location- Shelby, NC

Job type- Full Time

We are seeking a Materials & Production Control Manager to oversee all materials management, purchasing, scheduling, inventory, and production control functions for a specialty vehicle manufacturing operation. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the seamless flow of materials from procurement through final assembly for complete vehicle builds. The ideal candidate will have experience managing end-to-end materials and production processes in a low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Issue and manage purchase orders based on BOMs, shortages, and prototype support needs.
• Expedite open orders to ensure the timely delivery of materials and components.
• Negotiate pricing and contracts for major components (e.g., steel, tires, glass, run flats).
• Develop and manage dual-source strategies for key components.
• Align material delivery schedules with production timelines.

Production Control

• Develop, maintain, and execute the master production schedule.
• Print, release, track, and close work orders for fabrication, welding, painting, and assembly.
• Monitor production progress, resolve delays, and issue stop-work orders when necessary.
• Coordinate production priorities based on material availability and customer demands.

Materials & Inventory Management

• Oversee kitting operations and maintain accurate inventory levels on fabrication and integration lines.
• Track and resolve material shortages in coordination with purchasing and production teams.
• Manage material movements and inventory accuracy within Mietrak or similar ERP systems.
• Establish and maintain efficient inventory locations across facilities.

Shipping & Receiving

• Verify incoming shipments for accuracy against purchase orders.
• Process receipts and shipments within the ERP system.
• Coordinate outbound deliveries and manage logistics schedules.
• Manufacturing Engineering Support
• Collaborate with engineering to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability.
• Support process engineering releases, including templates, tooling, and testing.
• Create routings and support make/buy decisions to optimize cost and lead time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• 7 years of experience in materials management, production control, or supply chain operations.
• Prior experience in specialty vehicle, automotive, defense, or heavy equipment manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems (Mietrak experience a plus).
• Strong negotiation, planning, and leadership skills.
• Hands-on, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.