Purchasing Associate

The Case Goods & Frame Buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing case goods, wood frames, components, hardware, and other assigned materials to support production while meeting quality, cost, and delivery objectives. This position serves as the primary point of contact for both domestic and international suppliers, with a strong emphasis on developing and maintaining relationships with overseas manufacturing partners.

The Buyer works closely with suppliers, production planning, engineering, product development, and operations to ensure materials are available to support production schedules while identifying opportunities to improve cost, quality, and supply chain performance. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and experienced in managing supplier relationships in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Responsibilities

• Source and purchase wood frames, case goods, hardware, veneers, finishes, and other assigned materials to support production requirements.
• Build, develop, and maintain strong working relationships with both new and existing overseas manufacturing partners and suppliers.
• Serve as the primary liaison with international vendors to ensure timely communication regarding production schedules, order status, quality expectations, engineering changes, and delivery commitments.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new domestic and international suppliers to support business growth and diversification.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, freight considerations, and supplier agreements while achieving cost savings and maintaining quality standards.
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and overall reliability.
• Proactively expedite purchase orders and resolve material shortages, shipping delays, quality concerns, or other supply chain disruptions.
• Collaborate with Production Planning, Engineering, Product Development, Customer Service, and Manufacturing to support changing business needs and new product launches.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, supplier information, pricing, and purchase orders within the AS400 system.
• Analyze purchasing trends and recommend opportunities for supplier consolidation, cost reduction, and inventory optimization.
• Coordinate international shipments with logistics providers and internal teams to ensure timely material availability.
• Ensure purchased materials meet company quality standards and product specifications.
• Assist with inventory management initiatives, including excess inventory reduction and inventory accuracy.
• Maintain compliance with company purchasing policies and ethical sourcing standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience purchasing case goods, wood frames, furniture components, or related products strongly preferred.
• Experience working directly with overseas suppliers, particularly in Asia or other international manufacturing markets.
• Knowledge of international purchasing practices, import logistics, freight, and supplier management.
• Experience using an AS400 and/or ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong negotiation, vendor management, and relationship-building skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Furniture manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of wood products, furniture construction, upholstery frames, veneers, hardware, and finishing materials.
• Experience managing overseas sourcing and supplier development initiatives.
• APICS, CPSM, or other supply chain certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout an office and manufacturing environment.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.