Domestic Parts & Inventory Control Specialist

About the role

The Overseas Parts Buyer plays a key role in supporting production control and logistics operations by managing inventory control, production planning support, supplier coordination and container/shipment tracking. This role ensures material availability, inventory accuracy, and timely delivery to support uninterrupted production while optimizing cost and warehouse utilization.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventory for approximately 300 production parts to support customer demand, maintain target inventory levels, and reduce excess stock.
• Analyze daily logistics reports, external warehouse reports, in-transit shipments, supplier lead times, and production plans to determine parts ordering needs.
• Place and monitor orders with overseas suppliers to ensure production parts arrive on time.
• Track container shipments and develop simulations to identify possible delays, shortages, and expedite requirements.
• Coordinate with customs brokers, suppliers, external warehouses, and internal teams to support import/export activity and production readiness.
• Prepare export documentation for the return of empty totes overseas in accordance with legal and customs requirements.
• Maintain accurate inventory records by reviewing inbound and outbound activity from external warehouse reports.
• Support engineering and schedule changes by communicating with suppliers and tracking affected parts from shipment through production use.
• Work closely with Quality to help ensure good parts are available and delivered to production.
• Coordinate packaging change activity, including verification and cross-functional meetings prior to implementation.
• Submit insurance claims for damaged materials or shipments as needed.
• Complete required documentation for scrap disposal and related inventory activity.

Requirements

• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, suppliers, brokers, and external warehouse partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues, evaluate possible solutions, and take appropriate action.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when reviewing reports, tracking parts, and maintaining inventory records.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong follow-up skills with the ability to track open items through completion.
• Ability to work independently while also supporting team and department goals.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field preferred or minimum 3 years of experience in Production Planning/Management, Sales or Procurement.

Skills

• Minimum 1 year of experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Knowledgeable in lean production concepts such as OEE, KANBAN, FIFO, BOM.