Purchasing Specialist (Buyer)

RMB Products is seeking a Purchasing Specialist who supports manufacturing and business operations by purchasing materials, supplies, equipment, and services needed to meet operational requirements. This role works closely with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure purchases are accurate, timely, and cost-effective while maintaining appropriate inventory levels and strong supplier relationships.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities for assigned materials, supplies, and services supporting production and business operations.
• Review purchase requisitions and specifications and work with internal departments to clarify requirements.
• Request and evaluate supplier quotes based on pricing, quality, availability, delivery, service, and supply risk.
• Select suppliers and place purchase orders within established budgets, approval limits, and company purchasing procedures.
• Negotiate pricing and delivery terms within established guidelines.
• Prepare, issue, and maintain purchase orders and related purchasing documentation.
• Monitor open purchase orders and supplier commitments, following up on backorders, delays, and delivery issues.
• Partner with Production, Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Accounting, and Shipping to resolve purchasing, receiving, quality, and billing issues.
• Review inventory levels, usage, and supplier lead times and coordinate reorder requirements with internal departments.
• Identify alternate suppliers and sourcing opportunities to improve cost, availability, or supply continuity.
• Provide supplier comparisons, pricing trends, cost analyses, and supply-risk information to support purchasing decisions.
• Support supplier onboarding and maintain professional vendor relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, and delivery.
• Review invoices and receiving documentation as needed to resolve discrepancies and support three-way matching.
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, order, and purchasing records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of purchase orders, inventory control, shipping terms, and vendor negotiations.
• Experience analyzing supplier pricing, lead times, and performance.
• Experience working with vendors and cross-functional internal departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the Purchasing Manager and other departments.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with suppliers and internal teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with raw materials, components, maintenance supplies, production equipment, or manufacturing processes.
• Experience with purchasing, inventory, or ERP systems.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two or more years of purchasing, procurement, inventory, supply chain, or related manufacturing experience preferred.

General Expectations

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Follow all company safety, quality, and operational policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of company, customer, and supplier information.
• Work collaboratively and professionally with employees, customers, suppliers, and visitors.
• Demonstrate accountability, collaboration, initiative, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Willingness to work overtime or modified schedules as business needs require.

Benefits:

At RMB Products, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

RMB Products is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources.

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a "U.S. person" as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws.