Purchasing Specialist

Description

Red Dot Corporation
, the leading producer of premium mobile HVAC units and components for heavy-duty commercial and military vehicles, is recruiting for the following position:

The Purchasing Specialist, based in Memphis, TN, is responsible for executing both the tactical and strategic supply chain for their assigned parts. The role pairs hands‑on daily buying with strategic sourcing and a focus on integrating new products into the growing Memphis operation. As a key member of a cross‑functional team, the Purchasing Specialist ensures material availability, meets department Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and maintains the health of daily purchasing operations while developing the longer‑term sourcing strategy.

This is a hybrid tactical and strategic position. On the tactical side, it owns daily and weekly buying, factory flow on critical and long‑lead parts, purchase‑order management, and the master‑data discipline that keeps planning signals accurate. On the strategic side, it supports new product integration, supports the stabilization and continuous improvement of a new ERP/MRP system and partners with the corporate procurement team on process optimization and standardization.

The role will also actively pursue opportunities to leverage the broader corporate supply base and to develop new strategic sourcing — including reducing single‑source and offshore exposure on critical components.

• Execute daily and weekly purchasing for assigned parts; generate purchase orders from MRP signals, schedule deliveries, and ensure material availability to support production demand.
• Prepare and manage open‑order reports; communicate MRP exceptions and delivery risks to suppliers to hold them to delivery commitments.
• Manage inventory levels and replenishment strategies to meet stocking and production requirements; monitor KPIs including inventory turns, on‑time delivery, and inventory value.
• Maintain accurate item and master data in the ERP/MRP system (Min/Max, lead time, and blanket‑release structure) so planning signals stay accurate and trustworthy.
• Serve as the primary contact for assigned suppliers — managing communication, issue resolution, and performance — and coordinate with Quality on the return of non‑conforming material and recovery of credits.

• Support the integration of new products into the Memphis operation, establishing supply for new parts and building supplier relationships ahead of production.
• Partner with the corporate procurement team on process optimization and standardization across the procurement function.
• Conduct price analysis, lead competitive bid events, and negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts that deliver cost savings, improved lead times, and long‑term supply stability.
• Develop and execute a strategic‑sourcing pipeline, prioritizing the reduction of single‑source and offshore exposure on critical, long‑lead parts.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Sales to identify supply risks and develop resolution plans; contribute to Lean, VMI, and Kanban initiatives.

• Operates as a positive, solution‑oriented, and collaborative representative of the company in all internal and supplier interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to independently operate a mid‑market ERP/MRP system locating and running reports, validating data, and correcting issues.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, approaching challenges with curiosity, transparency, and a commitment to root‑cause resolution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; maintains composure and professionalism under pressure and navigates cross‑functional and cross‑cultural dynamics with adaptability.
• Works independently and as part of a cross‑functional team with minimal supervision; exercises sound judgment in alignment with company policy and compliance.
• Thrives in a dynamic environment, balancing multiple priorities while upholding high standards for…