Purchasing Team Leader

Job Summary:

The Purchasing Team Leader is responsible for leading and executing all purchasing, sourcing, supplier management, inventory planning, and cost-control activities in support of WalzCraft Industries' manufacturing operations. This role reflects and reinforces WalzCraft's core values — Be Positive, Be Value Added, Measure Twice, and R.a.W. (founders initials, representing integrity) — by ensuring materials are sourced accurately, cost-effectively, and on time while meeting quality standards. The Purchasing Team Leader partners closely with Production, Accounting, Receiving, Maintenance, Process Engineering, and Quality to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations through disciplined planning, strong supplier relationships, and just-in-time inventory management. This is an on-site position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create items and purchase orders from item requisitions, email requests, meetings, and inventory needs using a Measure Twice approach to accuracy.

• Execute demand forecasting by running and analyzing inventory class reports.

• Track inventory levels, monitor usage trends, manage low-stock notifications, and bring materials in just-in-time in a Value Added manner.

• Run and analyze purchasing reports for direct-ship items such as wire mesh, glass, floating shelves, and bulk finishing materials.

• Acknowledge, monitor, and follow up on all purchase orders, including open, partial, or late orders, demonstrating R.a.W.

• Receive purchase orders in the ERP system and document credit card purchases with proper receipt tracking and scanning.

• Negotiate contracts and pricing as assigned while continuously reviewing costs to keep pricing competitive and transparent.

• Request and analyze pricing from multiple sources for inventory and non-inventory items, applying Measure Twice cost analysis.

• Communicate pricing changes and cost impacts promptly to management.

• Follow up on vendor credits due to returns, discrepancies, or quality concerns.

• Partner with the Accounts Payable team to ensure invoice accuracy and correct dollar values.

• Assign and maintain proper General Ledger codes on items and purchase orders, updating as required for accounting.

• Maintain and strengthen supplier relationships through effective communication, meetings, performance discussions, and facility tours, demonstrating Be Positive professionalism.

• Assess supplier performance and request improvements when needed to protect supply chain continuity.

• Source new vendors, create backup supply options, and support vendor setup through Vendor Approval Forms.

• Establish stocking agreements on specialty or critical materials to reduce supply risk.

• Coordinate, communicate, and resolve all quality concerns related to purchased materials in alignment with WalzCraft standards.

• Inspect incoming veneers by species, grade, and special-order requirements prior to release to Production.

• Inspect select lumber and other purchased materials to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance.

• Support Research & Development requests related to new product development, change requests, and quoting.

• Schedule inbound and outbound deliveries, including shop trucking, pallet pickups, and third-party transportation.

• Communicate proactively with the Receiving team regarding incoming orders, credit card purchases, and proper material placement.

• Partner with Production and Office teams to communicate material deliveries, shortages, and out-of-stock inventory.

• Research special projects and locate obsolete or hard-to-find parts to support Maintenance and operational goals.

• Maintain inventory levels and reorder materials based on usage, demand, and reorder points to support just-in-time objectives.

• Evaluate slow-moving or low-use inventory and initiate removal, discontinuation, or donation when appropriate.

• Time deliveries strategically to avoid overloading the Receiving team and warehouse space.

• Support setup and expansion of perpetual inventory item classes.

• Assist with quarterly inventory counts, audits, and fourth-quarter evaluations of low-use inventory. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Associate degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain, Purchasing, Business, or a related field preferred; bachelor's degree preferred.

• 3–5 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong knowledge of inventory management, supplier negotiations, and cost analysis.

• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• High attention to detail with a Measure Twice mindset.

• Proven reliability, accountability, and willingness to support cross-functional teams in alignment with R.a.W. principles.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in manufacturing, wood products, or custom production environments.

• Leadership or team lead experience within Purchasing or Supply Chain.

• Strong problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset.

• Ability to build strong, respectful vendor and internal partner relationships.

• Demonstrated alignment with WalzCraft's core values — Be Positive, Be Value Added, Measure Twice, and R.a.W.