Expeditor / Purchasing Associate
About The Position
We are seeking a skilled Expeditor / Purchasing Associate with experience in supply chain, direct purchasing, and/or indirect purchasing in a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive (OEM or sub-tier supplier) or aftermarket-related operations. The role supports supply chain management, purchasing, negotiation, components procurement, logistics, warehouse operations, procurement activities, and data management, with a focus on OEM supply chains, cost optimization, supplier management, and inventory control. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills are essential. This is a contract-to-hire position based onsite in Riverside, California, Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with opportunities for overtime. The work is at a large transit-bus manufacturer and involves frequent walking on the production floor, requiring protective shoes. The associate will collaborate with purchasing, operations, engineering, and production. The role initially focuses on indirect purchasing, with potential to transition to purchasing direct raw materials. The team is busy, and the environment is dynamic because of ERP implementation and increased workload from recently awarded projects; the successful candidate must quickly take on tasks and adapt to evolving processes.
Requirements
- At least 2 years of experience in a purchasing or expeditor role.
- Experience in the automotive or aerospace industry.
- Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and formulas.
- Experience with ERP systems; Epicor is preferred, and experience with other systems is acceptable.
- Understanding of supply chain operations, contracts, and supplier performance metrics.
- Ability to adapt to change, pick up tasks quickly, and work with evolving business processes.
Nice To Haves
- Experience processing purchase orders and RFQs.
- Pricing negotiation skills.
- A mix of direct and indirect purchasing experience.
- Bilingual Mandarin skills.
- Experience with ERP implementation.
- A growth mindset.
Responsibilities
- Procure materials to achieve optimal cost, quality, and delivery.
- Negotiate contracts and manage supplier performance to achieve best value and schedule alignment.
- Oversee RFQ processes, procurement awards, purchase order creation, and goods receipt management.
- Analyze pricing to meet cost objectives and/or budgets.
- Ensure suppliers meet delivery schedules and address performance issues promptly to avoid delays.
- Maintain corporate records and ensure compliance with Non-Disclosure Agreements, export compliance, and contracts.
- Ensure suppliers and contractors meet project timelines.
- Use advanced Excel tools and ERP/MRP systems to analyze procurement data and provide actionable insights.
Benefits
- Medical insurance (eligibility requirements apply).
- Dental insurance (eligibility requirements apply).
- Vision insurance (eligibility requirements apply).
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage (eligibility requirements apply).
- 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available (eligibility requirements apply).
- Voluntary life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents (eligibility requirements apply).
- Short- and long-term disability coverage (eligibility requirements apply).
- Health Spending Account (HSA) (eligibility requirements apply).
- Transportation benefits (eligibility requirements apply).
- Employee Assistance Program (eligibility requirements apply).
- Time off/leave, including PTO, vacation, or sick leave (eligibility requirements apply).
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
