Senior Purchasing Specialist

Nordson Corporation • Chippewa Falls, WI

1d

About The Position

Nordson Polymer Processing Systems is seeking an experienced Senior Purchasing Specialist to support manufacturing and customer needs by sourcing materials, components, equipment, and services. The role evaluates supplier performance and capabilities, resolves purchasing issues, and partners with internal teams and suppliers to improve quality, delivery, cost, and inventory performance. The position works in a dynamic, collaborative environment and contributes to supplier development, process improvements, and business growth.

Requirements

• 2–4 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across organizational levels.
• Demonstrated negotiation, planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and communicate basic engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and initiative; ability to manage multiple priorities independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to improve processes, influence change, secure resources, and deliver results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint.
• Ability to implement project plans and schedules.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, logistics, or a related field.
• Lean manufacturing knowledge or experience.
• Supply chain experience using Microsoft Dynamics AX or another ERP system.

Responsibilities

• Review material requirements, monitor supplier performance, and resolve material requirements planning (MRP) exceptions.
• Create and maintain accurate, timely purchase orders, including pricing and delivery updates in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
• Resolve supplier delivery, quality, and pricing issues promptly.
• Partner with suppliers to improve quality, lead times, delivery, and costs; recommend cost-saving opportunities.
• Support production needs and provide timely updates to Customer Service on spare parts and backorders.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to resolve drawing, material, supplier, engineering change, and assembly issues.
• Maintain purchasing reports and supplier scorecards; coordinate regular business reviews with suppliers and internal partners.
• Build strong supplier relationships and develop new sources when existing suppliers cannot meet business needs.
• Develop supplier solutions, including stocking programs and on-site vendor-managed inventory (VMI), to support cost savings and growth.
• Coordinate purchasing with Manufacturing, Service, and Engineering to maintain planned inventory levels.
• Monitor assigned subcontracts for cost, schedule, scope, quality, and value, as needed.
• Meet or exceed targets for lead time reduction, supplier on-time delivery, cost and quality management, and scheduling agreement/VMI additions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Supportive culture in a growing and dynamic work environment.
• Investment in teams to build skillsets and advance careers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior