Maintenance Purchaser

About the role

The Purchaser is responsible for procuring maintenance parts, equipment, and services that support daily operations while ensuring cost-effectiveness, timely delivery, and inventory availability. This role works closely with Maintenance, Planning, Inventory, Machine Shop personnel, and domestic and international vendors to maintain optimal stock levels, support scheduled maintenance activities and manage purchasing expenditures.

Responsibilities

• Request and evaluate quotations for low-stock, out-of-stock, and special-order maintenance parts.
• Source parts, materials, and services from domestic and international suppliers.
• Negotiate competitive pricing, lead times, and service agreements to achieve the best overall value for the company.
• Create and issue purchase orders (POs) for approved purchases while ensuring compliance with company purchasing policies.
• Obtain management approval for purchases exceeding established spending thresholds.
• Monitor purchase order status and proactively follow up with vendors to ensure on-time delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to improve pricing, quality, and delivery performance.
• Communicate regularly with overseas vendors to obtain quotations, confirm specifications, coordinate shipments, and resolve purchasing issues.
• Evaluate supplier performance and recommend alternative vendors when necessary.
• Coordinate returns for high-value components requiring rebuilds, repairs, or warranty service.
• Respond to daily purchasing requests from the Maintenance Department for replacement parts, tools, consumables, and operating supplies.
• Work closely with Maintenance Planner to procure parts required for preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and scheduled shutdowns.
• Ensure critical maintenance materials are available to support planned work and minimize production downtime.
• Collaborate with the Maintenance Planner to establish and maintain accurate minimum and maximum inventory levels.
• Monitor inventory levels and initiate replenishment orders.
• Coordinate with the Machine Shop to ensure manufactured components are produced.
• Support inventory accuracy through regular review of stock levels and purchasing trends.
• Track maintenance purchasing expenditures and maintain accurate spending records.
• Review departmental purchasing activity and expenses with management on a regular basis.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings through supplier negotiations, standardization, and improved purchasing practices.
• Ensure purchasing documentation, quotations, invoices, and purchase orders are complete and properly maintained.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Purchasing, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in purchasing, procurement, maintenance storeroom operations, or industrial inventory management preferred.
• Experience purchasing industrial maintenance parts, MRO supplies, or manufacturing equipment is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with ERP, CMMS, or purchasing software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of industrial mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and facility systems.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to read and interpret part descriptions, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Understanding of inventory management principles, including minimum/maximum stock levels.