Purchasing Inventory Control Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Position:
Purchasing & Inventory Manager

Reports to:

Director of Manufacturing

The Purchasing & Inventory Manager is responsible for overseeing the strategic sourcing, procurement, inventory control, and material planning functions for a metal fabrication manufacturing operation. This role ensures the timely availability of raw materials, components, equipment, and services required to support uninterrupted production while optimizing inventory levels, controlling costs, and improving supply chain efficiency.

This position plays a critical role in balancing material availability with working capital management by forecasting demand, managing supplier performance, monitoring inventory accuracy, and implementing process improvements. The Purchasing & Inventory Manager works closely with Operations, Engineering, Finance, Sales, and warehouse teams to ensure materials flow efficiently from supplier receipt through production to finished goods.

• Identify, evaluate, and select reliable suppliers for metals, equipment, components, and services based on quality, cost, reliability, and delivery performance.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, contracts, and long‑term supplier agreements to secure favorable commercial arrangements.
• Monitor commodity market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply risks to support purchasing strategies and cost control.
• Develop and execute cost‑reduction initiatives while maintaining material quality and service levels.
• Issue and manage purchase orders to ensure timely procurement and delivery of required materials.

• Develop inventory strategies that optimize stock levels while minimizing carrying costs, obsolescence, and excess inventory.
• Forecast material requirements using production schedules, customer demand, historical usage, and market trends.
• Monitor inventory levels across raw materials, work‑in‑process, and finished goods to ensure material availability and accuracy.
• Conduct inventory audits, cycle counts, and reconciliations to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate inventory records using ERP/MRP and inventory management systems.

• Build strong supplier partnerships to ensure consistent quality, pricing, and delivery performance.
• Monitor vendor performance metrics and address quality, delivery, or service issues proactively.
• Mitigate supply chain disruptions through contingency planning, supplier diversification, and risk management strategies.
• Coordinate inbound material flow, receiving, and logistics to support uninterrupted production operations.

• Partner with production, engineering, and planning teams to align material availability with manufacturing schedules.
• Ensure raw materials meet specifications required for cutting, welding, fabrication, finishing, and assembly processes.
• Prevent line stoppages caused by material shortages or inventory inaccuracies.
• Support new product launches, engineering changes, and project‑based material requirements.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on procurement efficiency, inventory accuracy, and waste reduction.
• Implement Lean principles, including just‑in‑time inventory strategies where appropriate.
• Improve processes through better system utilization, automation, and workflow standardization.
• Prepare and present KPI reporting related to inventory turns, stock accuracy, supplier performance, material costs, shortages, and risk exposure.
• Provide data‑driven recommendations to leadership to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Lead and develop inventory, warehouse, and materials personnel.
• Establish performance expectations, training, and accountability standards.
• Foster a culture of accuracy, ownership, continuous improvement, and cross‑functional collaboration.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret data and market trends.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management capabilities.
• Deep understanding of metal commodities, fabrication…