Purchasing Inventory Control Manager

ABOUT ENGINEERED PRODUCTS

At Engineered Products, our mission is to maximize space efficiency and redefine material handling and storage solutions. As a privately held company with over 70 years of industry experience, we have earned the trust of businesses worldwide by delivering customized storage solutions tailored to their unique needs. Our innovative approach not only streamlines space utilization and reduces costs for our clients but also offers dynamic career opportunities across all departments. We foster a culture of innovation and empowerment, where every team member contributes to our success by embodying our core values: building strong internal relationships, approaching challenges with optimism and a proactive mindset, and embracing continuous learning and collaboration. If you're ready to join a dynamic team and make a meaningful impact in the material handling industry, apply now and become part of our exciting journey!

POSITION SUMMARY

Position: Purchasing & Inventory Manager

Reports to: Director of Manufacturing

Location: Easley, SC

The Purchasing & Inventory Manager is responsible for overseeing the strategic sourcing, procurement, inventory control, and material planning functions for a metal fabrication manufacturing operation. This role ensures the timely availability of raw materials, components, equipment, and services required to support uninterrupted production while optimizing inventory levels, controlling costs, and improving supply chain efficiency.

This position plays a critical role in balancing material availability with working capital management by forecasting demand, managing supplier performance, monitoring inventory accuracy, and implementing process improvements. The Purchasing & Inventory Manager works closely with Operations, Engineering, Finance, Sales, and warehouse teams to ensure materials flow efficiently from supplier receipt through production to finished goods.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Identify, evaluate, and select reliable suppliers for metals, equipment, components, and services based on quality, cost, reliability, and delivery performance.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, contracts, and long-term supplier agreements to secure favorable commercial arrangements.
• Monitor commodity market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply risks to support purchasing strategies and cost control.
• Develop and execute cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining material quality and service levels.
• Issue and manage purchase orders to ensure timely procurement and delivery of required materials.

Inventory Management & Material Planning

• Develop inventory strategies that optimize stock levels while minimizing carrying costs, obsolescence, and excess inventory.
• Forecast material requirements using production schedules, customer demand, historical usage, and market trends.
• Monitor inventory levels across raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods to ensure material availability and accuracy.
• Conduct inventory audits, cycle counts, and reconciliations to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate inventory records using ERP/MRP and inventory management systems.

Supplier & Supply Chain Management

• Build strong supplier partnerships to ensure consistent quality, pricing, and delivery performance.
• Monitor vendor performance metrics and address quality, delivery, or service issues proactively.
• Mitigate supply chain disruptions through contingency planning, supplier diversification, and risk management strategies.
• Coordinate inbound material flow, receiving, and logistics to support uninterrupted production operations.

Production Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with production, engineering, and planning teams to align material availability with manufacturing schedules.
• Ensure raw materials meet specifications required for cutting, welding, fabrication, finishing, and assembly processes.
• Prevent line stoppages caused by material shortages or inventory inaccuracies.
• Support new product launches, engineering changes, and project-based material requirements.

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on procurement efficiency, inventory accuracy, and waste reduction.
• Implement Lean principles, including just-in-time inventory strategies where appropriate.
• Improve processes through better system utilization, automation, and workflow standardization.
• Prepare and present KPI reporting related to inventory turns, stock accuracy, supplier performance, material costs, shortages, and risk exposure.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to leadership to improve profitability and operational efficiency.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop inventory, warehouse, and materials personnel.
• Establish performance expectations, training, and accountability standards.
• Foster a culture of accuracy, ownership, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and market trends
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management capabilities
• Deep understanding of metal commodities, fabrication materials, and supply chain dynamics
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and cost reduction initiatives
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and inventory optimization principles
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, inventory software, and reporting tools
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field preferred
• 5–10 years of experience in purchasing, inventory management, supply chain, or materials management
• Experience in steel, metal fabrication, or industrial manufacturing strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of raw material planning, commodity purchasing, and inventory control
• Prior leadership experience managing warehouse, purchasing, or materials teams preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is primarily based within a manufacturing facility and requires frequent interaction with production operations. The position involves exposure to machinery, welding operations, paint processes, moving equipment, and industrial noise levels. Required PPE includes safety glasses, steel-toed boots, gloves, hearing protection, and other safety equipment as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires standing and walking for extended periods in a fast-paced industrial environment. Duties include frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, and moving materials up to 50 pounds, along with regular bending, twisting, reaching, climbing, and safely navigating production areas. Employees must be able to wear required PPE and work effectively in heat, humidity, dust, noise, and other manufacturing conditions.