MRO Purchasing & Inventory Control Specialist

General:

The MRO Purchasing Leader is responsible for leading the transformation and improvement of JSC’s MRO operations into a fully system-driven, benchmark manufacturing framework. This role guides the transition from experience-dependent, manual replenishment to an automated, ERP-driven (Plex) Min/Max procurement model.

The position oversees the setup and maintenance of core MRO part numbers, execute complete 5S organization of storage areas, direct inventory cycle counts, optimize supplier alignments, manage freight/logistics arrangements, and effectively leverage internal MRO team members to establish sustainable, self-sustaining operations across JSC and the broader group.

Role and Responsibilities:

·   Plex Registration & Min/Max Threshold Setup: Lead the ERP (Plex) registration and threshold configuration for all primary MRO items, establishing precise Minimum and Maximum inventory levels for active supplies. Systematically audit and disable obsolete or inactive part numbers in the system to prevent unauthorized ordering. Implement system-triggered replenishment controls to minimize manual free-text order creation.

• Key MRO Part Number Management: Maintain comprehensive oversight and control over primary/critical MRO part numbers required for plant operations. Standardize part cataloging, descriptions, and supplier cross-referencing to ensure procurement accuracy and consistency across shifts.

• MRO Inventory Cycle Counting & Guidance: Establish, direct, and oversee routine inventory cycle counting procedures within the MRO department. Train and guide MRO team members on cycle counting protocols to ensure inventory accuracy reaches and maintains benchmark targets (90% accuracy)..

• Full 5S Implementation & Workplace Operations: Drive full 5S implementation (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) across all MRO storage, bin, and work areas. Coordinate physical space optimization, bin repairs, labeling, and removal of non-MRO clutter to create clean, secure, and functional storage environments. Enforce physical access and checkout security controls to maintain inventory integrity.

• MRO Team Member Utilization & Development: Effectively lead, organize, and utilize internal MRO team members, providing clear daily direction, task assignment, and hands-on guidance. Mentor MRO associates to build system mastery and operational skills, preparing the internal team for autonomous long-term management. Realign team responsibilities by offloading non-core administrative tasks back to appropriate functional departments.

• Supplier Master Alignment & Procurement Efficiency: Align procurement channels directly with primary corporate suppliers and direct equipment manufacturers, preventing reliance on high-markup third-party brokers. Streamline purchase order approval workflows based on established spend thresholds to reduce cycle time and executive administrative burden. Oversee automation initiatives, including barcode scanning and automated vending systems, to optimize material checkout and replenishment.

• Group & Cross-Departmental Purchasing Optimization: Actively participate in regional purchasing initiatives (such as J-Group North American Purchasing Conferences) and collaborate closely with other group locations/plants as well as internal plant departments. Drive group-wide purchasing optimization, strategic sourcing, and cost-reduction initiatives from a broader supply chain perspective beyond local MRO boundaries.

• Freight & Logistics Transportation Management: Coordinate and arrange necessary transportation, courier services, and freight logistics for MRO item purchases, tool/die/part repair services, and equipment transfers (particularly when handling FOB, FCA, or specific supplier shipping terms) to ensure timely, cost-effective, and smooth operational deliveries.

• PPE Program & Laundry Vendor Management Support: Oversee and support ongoing PPE management, including plant-floor collection box operations, laundered PPE replenishment, and vendor communication/contract management with industrial laundry suppliers, ensuring smooth operations as PPE transitions toward automated vending machine systems.

Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a relevant technical field.

• Experience: 5 years of progressive leadership experience in MRO inventory management, tool crib operations, or industrial purchasing within a manufacturing plant environment. Demonstrated track record of leading 5S transformations, ERP master setups, and inventory accuracy improvement programs.

• Technical Skills & ERP Mastery: Strong proficiency in ERP inventory systems (Plex experience highly advantageous). Practical expertise in inventory control methods, cycle counting methodologies, 5S standards, freight/courier shipping terms (FOB/FCA), and automated replenishment technologies (barcode/vending). Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis.

• Language Skills: Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required. Working proficiency or fluency in Japanese and/or Spanish is strongly preferred (a major plus) to facilitate effective cross-cultural communication with group entities, management, and plant associates.

Environmental & Physical Demands

The environmental conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the essential duties of this job the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, sharp objects and constant loud noise.  The employee is regularly required to:  use their hands to touch and handle objects; hear; see, including close vision; stand for long hours; stoop; kneel; sit; climb; balance; and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.