What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Specialist- Spare Parts & Tools position at IMS Gear Georgia, LLC?
The Purchasing Specialist – Spare Parts & Tools plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and uptime of our production equipment. This position is responsible for the end-to-end procurement, digitization, and inventory management of spare parts, consumables, and production tools within a precision manufacturing environment. This role goes beyond transactional purchasing and focuses on ERP-driven spare parts management, supplier performance, inventory optimization, and cross-functional collaboration with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT. The position offers a strong opportunity to directly impact production continuity, cost control, and digital transformation initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact for spare parts and tooling inquiries from Production, Maintenance, and Engineering.
- Digitize and maintain spare parts and tooling data within ERP/MRP systems, including part master data, BOMs, inventory parameters, and reorder points.
- Source, negotiate, and procure spare parts, consumables, and production tools in accordance with sourcing and purchasing procedures.
- Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to define technical sparing requirements and support new equipment launches.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels to ensure parts availability while minimizing excess stock, obsolescence, and downtime risk.
- Manage new and used spare parts inventory, ensuring correct quantities, specifications, labeling, and organization.
- Monitor supplier performance related to pricing, quality, lead time, and delivery reliability; research and qualify alternate vendors as needed.
- Process and maintain purchase orders in ERP and other company-designated systems, ensuring accuracy of pricing and delivery dates.
- Track and manage backorders, expedites, and urgent requests to secure production continuity.
- Inspect received parts for quality and accuracy and coordinate resolution of discrepancies.
- Ensure timely distribution of spare parts and tools in alignment with maintenance and production schedules.
- Maintain accurate accounting records for existing, purchased, returned, and obsolete parts.
- Support integration of spare parts management with IT systems (ERP, CMMS) and participate in automation and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Track and report KPIs related to cost, inventory levels, availability, and consumption.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient spare parts and tool storage area.
- Provide input and progress updates on departmental goals and initiatives.
- Perform frequent inspections of tools to ensure functionality and safety.
- Following International Automotive Task Force quality standards – IATF 16949
- Following Internal Quality Issues procedure – IQI
- Ensure that safety rules and policies are followed
- Housekeeping – 6IMS-Standard
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 2–7 years of experience in manufacturing procurement, MRO, spare parts, tooling, or materials management.
- Experience in precision manufacturing, machining, or industrial environment preferred.
Skills, knowledge, and abilities
- Strong working knowledge of ERP systems (SAP preferred).
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel and MS Office skills.
- Understanding of spare parts logistics, inventory control, and technical components.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple demands in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- High attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
- Effective cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.
- Proactive, hands-on, and continuous improvement mindset.
- Strong attendance and reliability.
Work Environment: Exposure to manufacturing areas (noise, machinery, and moving parts) which require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, hearing protection and slip resistant safety toe shoes.
Physical requirements
- Lifting and carrying up to 35 lbs.
- Pushing and pulling up to 35 lbs. using material handling equipment
- Constant walking, handling and using fingers
- Frequent standing and reaching outward
- Occasionally reaching above shoulders, crawling, squatting, kneeling and bending