Purchasing Specialist

Overview

Chem-Trend, a company of the Freudenberg Group, is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and marketing of specialized release agents, purging compounds, paper impregnation chemicals, and other process chemical specialties and additives, with manufacturing and R & D operations in North and South America, Europe, India, and Asia that are supported by its headquarters in Michigan, USA. Chem-Trend has a singular focus of providing innovative solutions for the die casting, polyurethane, rubber, composites, tire, thermoplastic, wood composite, and paper impregnation industries.

• 401K Match: Save for retirement with the company's help.
• Health Insurance: Rely on comprehensive services whenever you need it.
• Education Reimbursement: Receive financial aid to help propel your career to the next level.
• Diversity & Inclusion: We focus on providing an inclusive environment and recognize our diversity contributes to our success.
• Paid Holidays: With paid-time off, local holidays are all the way more relaxing.
• Authorization to work in the U.S.: required.
• Relocation: Relocation assistance is not available.

Location:

Howell, MI
• On-Site

The Purchasing Specialist executes day-to-day purchasing activities in SAP, manages stock transfers, maintains inventory parameters, and supports MDM updates. The role ensures operational efficiency, accurate documentation, and timely follow-up across procurement workflows.

• Create, modify, manage, and close purchase orders in SAP, including updating them with notes and follow-up actions while collaborating with Buyers on corrective actions and replacements.
• Execute stock transfers between plants and storage locations.
• Monitor and follow up on late deliveries, coordinate with receiving teams.
• Run and export SAP PO reports (late orders, confirmations, open orders, resolve PO discrepancies) and consumption analysis.
• Review inventory and consumption; update reorder points, lead times, storage locations, rounding values, minimum order quantities, Incoterms, and buyer codes via spreadsheet. Submit vendor contact/email changes via MDM forms
• Coordinate returns for non-conforming or overstocked materials; arrange logistics and track to credit/no-charge replacement.
• Participate in shortage/hot-list meetings; escalate sourcing needs to Buyers.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Science or a related field preferred; 2-3 years of experience as a Buyer in lieu of degree
• ERP Experience; SAP Knowledge preferred
• Knowledge of chemicals
• Computer skills including Word, Excel, and databases
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good organization skills and able to switch priorities quickly

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.