Purchasing Specialist

Drake Plastics Ltd Co.•Cypress, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring machined parts, specialty manufacturing services, raw materials, and MRO supplies to support production and operational needs. This role works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Finance to ensure materials and services are delivered on time, meet quality requirements, and align with cost and inventory objectives. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment and a strong understanding of technical purchasing requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Experience sourcing raw materials, MRO supplies and buying or producing machined parts.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
Strong negotiation, organizational, and communication skills.
Thrifty by nature, good work ethic.
Experience working in an ERP/MRP system. (Drake uses SAP Business 1).

Nice To Haves

Experience purchasing specialty manufacturing services (machining, fabrication, heat treating, coatings, etc.).
Knowledge of plastics, metals, resins, and industrial consumables.
Knowledge and experience with machined plastic parts, drawings, tolerancing and GD&T.
Familiarity with supplier quality requirements and ISO-based environments.
Experience supporting cost-reduction and supplier development initiatives.

Responsibilities

Source and purchase machined components, fabricated parts, specialty manufacturing services, raw materials, and MRO items.
Identify, evaluate, and maintain relationships with qualified suppliers and service providers.
Maintain ASL documentation per AS9100 requirements.
Request, analyze, and compare quotes; negotiate pricing, lead times, terms, and contracts.
Issue purchase orders and manage order acknowledgments, changes, and discrepancies.
Collaborate with Sales, Engineering and Production to understand drawings, specifications, tolerances, and material requirements.
Support new product introductions, supplier qualifications, and cost-reduction initiatives.
Ensure suppliers meet quality, delivery, and compliance standards.
Monitor inventory levels and usage trends to support production schedules and minimize stockouts or excess inventory.
Coordinate with Planning and Operations to align purchasing activities with demand forecasts.
Track cost variances and assist with continuous improvement and savings initiatives.
Procure maintenance, repair, and operations supplies to support equipment and facility needs.
Work with Maintenance and Facilities teams to ensure timely availability of critical items.
Maintain accurate purchasing records within the ERP system.
Resolve invoice discrepancies and work with Accounts Payable as needed.
Manage and generate purchasing and supplier performance reports and KPIs as required.