What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Agent - Fabric Buyer position at Design Foundry?
Position Summary
The Purchasing Agent / Fabric Buyer is responsible for sourcing, procuring, and maintaining adequate inventory levels of fabrics and related materials used in upholstered furniture manufacturing. This role ensures the right materials are available at the right time, at the right quality and price, driving operational excellence and production flow. The ideal candidate builds strong supplier partnerships, analyzes inventory data, communicates cross-functionally, and upholds our commitment to quality, cost stewardship, and service.
This person plays a critical role in supporting production schedules, minimizing material shortages, and contributing to customer satisfaction through timely order fulfillment.
Core Values in Action
We Are Family
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal partners—planning, production, upholstery, quality, and product development.
- Treat suppliers, team members, and partners with respect, honesty, and dignity.
- Communicate proactively to prevent surprises, delays, or disruptions.
- Support a positive, people-centered work environment where teamwork and connection drive results.
We Own It
- Manage purchasing decisions with accuracy and accountability, ensuring timely orders and reliable inventory levels.
- Own vendor relationships—monitor performance, negotiate pricing, track lead times, and problem-solve supply issues.
- Maintain accurate records within Cruze ( ERP/MRP) system, ensuring data integrity for planning and forecasting.
- Anticipate risks and take initiative to resolve shortages, damages, discrepancies, or cost challenges.
We Give Our All
- Analyze material usage trends, quality issues, and inventory levels to improve purchasing strategies.
- Partner with internal teams to support product launches, fabric testing, planning, and supplier evaluations.
- Continuously seek cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
- Maintain a high standard of responsiveness, follow-through, and professional communication.
We Have Fun
- Bring positivity and enthusiasm to a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Collaborate in cross-department events, celebrations, engagement activities, and culture-building moments.
- Approach challenges with creativity and a solutions-focused attitude that uplifts your team.
Key Responsibilities
- Source, purchase, and track all fabric and related materials needed for production.
- Develop fabric forecasts and maintain adequate stock levels based on sales orders, forecasts, and production needs.
- Monitor vendor performance: pricing, lead times, quality, and reliability.
- Review fabric usage, scrap trends, and purchase frequency to optimize costs and reduce waste.
- Process purchase orders accurately in Cruze system and reconcile confirmations.
- Follow up on open orders, lead times, backorders, and delivery schedules.
- Work closely with team to align planning and scheduling to ensure production is never disrupted due to fabric shortages.
- Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, availability, substitutions, quality concerns, and logistics.
- Assist in fabric testing, approval processes, and sample acquisition.
- Coordinate with Receiving/Shipping Manager to schedule deliveries and resolve receiving discrepancies.
- Support inventory audits and cycle counts related to fabrics.
- Maintain fabric database: costs, SKUs, vendor details, specifications, and replacements.
- Provide input into BOM updates, cost analyses, and margin reviews as needed.
- Participate in vendor reviews and strategic sourcing initiatives under the direction of the Purchasing Manager.
Required Skills & Experience
- Purchasing or sourcing experience in manufacturing (upholstery, textiles, furniture, or related field preferred).
- Strong negotiation, communication, and supplier-relationship skills.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, spreadsheets, and data analysis.
- Excellent attention to detail, organization, and follow-up.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive mindset.
- Knowledge of fabrics, textiles, or upholstery materials is a plus.
