Purchasing Specialist

Description We are looking for a Purchasing Specialist to oversee procurement activities for assigned product lines in Richmond, Virginia. This position plays a central role in maintaining material availability, strengthening supplier partnerships, and supporting production goals through effective sourcing and purchasing decisions. The ideal candidate brings strong commercial judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work closely with cross-functional teams to improve cost, quality, and delivery performance.

Responsibilities:

- Manage purchasing activities for designated product categories, ensuring timely placement of orders to support manufacturing schedules and inventory needs.

- Build and maintain productive supplier relationships by monitoring service levels, quality results, delivery performance, and overall value.

- Prepare and review supplier quotes for engineering and operational needs, securing competitive pricing and appropriate commercial terms.

- Partner with production, engineering, and internal support teams to align material requirements, specifications, and lead times.

- Identify, evaluate, and establish new suppliers to strengthen supply continuity and expand sourcing options for assigned commodities.

- Negotiate pricing arrangements, contractual terms, and supply agreements to improve cost efficiency while protecting business needs.

- Address purchasing issues such as order discrepancies, delayed shipments, and supply interruptions with a proactive, solution-focused approach.

- Analyze demand signals and production plans to anticipate material needs and support effective forecasting and replenishment decisions.

- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts across procurement, receiving, and invoice-related workflows to increase efficiency and accuracy.

- Provide backup support for other purchasing team members and assist with supplier reviews, audits, and quality-focused initiatives as needed. Requirements - 3+ years of experience in purchasing, buying, or procurement within a manufacturing, production, or supply chain environment.

- Demonstrated ability to negotiate pricing, terms, and supplier agreements while balancing cost, quality, and delivery expectations.

- Experience managing vendor relationships and evaluating supplier performance through measurable service and quality indicators.

- Strong understanding of material purchasing processes, including quoting, order management, forecasting, and issue resolution.

- Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, production, and cross-functional teams on material specifications and availability planning.

- Solid analytical and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple purchasing activities in a fast-paced setting.

- Clear written and verbal communication skills with a detail-oriented approach to supplier and internal stakeholder interactions.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit  for more information.

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