What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Lead position at PIKE Technologies?
Company Description
PIKE Technologies is a leading manufacturer specializing in accessories for FT-IR, NIR, and UV-Vis spectrometers. The company offers an extensive range of products, including ATR, diffuse and specular reflectance, integrating spheres, polarization accessories, IR microscopes, and more. Known for their innovative designs, many products feature optional heating and automation to enhance productivity. PIKE also provides design and consulting services for custom spectroscopy solutions, ensuring compatibility with all major spectrometer brands.
The Purchasing Lead will be responsible for overseeing and supporting the daily purchasing and inventory operations within the organization. This role will play a critical part in improving purchasing processes, strengthening vendor relationships, enhancing inventory accuracy, and supporting operational efficiency across departments. The ideal candidate should be highly organized, proactive, strategic, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This individual will provide leadership within the purchasing function while helping establish stronger processes, communication, accountability, and long-term purchasing strategies. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, managing vendor relationships, supporting inventory control initiatives, negotiating pricing and lead times, resolving purchasing challenges, and collaborating cross-functionally to support company objectives. Duties may be performed with minimal supervision or under supervisory guidance.
PIKE offers opportunities for professional development, competitive compensation, and a collaborative work environment.
Duties & Responsibilities
● Contribute significantly to achieving departmental and company objectives
● Lead daily purchasing operations for manufacturing materials, components, supplies, and services
● Monitor inventory levels, shortages, lead times, and purchasing trends to support production demands and reduce inventory issues
● Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships while negotiating pricing, lead times, and service agreements
● Identify and evaluate new suppliers and sourcing opportunities as needed
● Collaborate effectively with manufacturing, engineering, accounting, and leadership teams to support operational goals
● Assist in improving purchasing workflows, inventory processes, and department organization
● Exhibit strong attention to detail and accuracy in purchasing transactions and inventory management
● Communicate respectfully, professionally, and effectively with vendors and colleagues
● Demonstrate accountability, responsiveness, and follow-through in day-to-day responsibilities
● Assist in resolving purchasing, inventory, and supplier-related issues in a timely manner
● Maintain accurate purchasing records, documentation, and reporting
● Support pc/MRP system usage, inventory audits, and process standardization initiatives
● Participate in continuous improvement efforts to enhance efficiency and strengthen purchasing operations
● Assist in training and supporting purchasing staff and helping establish consistent department procedures
● Adapt to changing priorities and operational needs in a dynamic manufacturing environment
● Adhere to company safety, quality, and personnel policies
Qualifications
● Minimum of five (5) years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
● Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred
● Strong negotiation, organization, and problem-solving skills
● Experience with inventory management and vendor coordination
● Proficiency with pc/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications
● Strong verbal and written communication skills
● Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
● Manufacturing, optics, machining, or technical industry experience preferred