Purchasing Specialist

Purchasing Specialist California Fine Wire - 3.2 Grover Beach, CA Job Details Full-time $32 - $36 an hour 2 days ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Professional development assistance Referral program Retirement plan Qualifications Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook Supplier management Technical documentation English Administrative experience High school diploma or GED Geometry Vendor relationship management Algebra Procurement contract negotiation Manufacturing Excel formulas Cross-functional collaboration Data-driven decision making Manufacturing company experience Technical Proficiency Cross-functional communication Excel data analysis

Full Job Description FLSA Status:

Non-exempt Hiring Manager Job Title:

Controller Job Level:

Individual Contributor Employment Status:

Full-Time Regular Primary Location:

338 S. 4th Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433 About Our Organization California Fine Wire is a premier fine wire manufacturer with over 60 years of excellence serving the medical, electronics, semiconductor, resistance wire, and prototyping industries. As a lean manufacturing operation with a dedicated team of under 100 employees, we combine agility with precision to deliver exceptional quality across all phases of production. We foster a collaborative environment where individual contributors drive continuous improvement while maintaining healthy work-life integration on California's Central Coast. Job Summary As the Purchasing Specialist (Individual Contributor), you will serve as the primary owner of procurement operations, leveraging advanced ERP systems and data analytics to optimize inventory levels and drive cost efficiency. This is a non-management role focused entirely on execution, analysis, and strategic sourcing. You will not supervise staff but will act as a key technical expert, managing the full lifecycle of purchasing from demand planning to vendor settlement. Your work will impact production continuity and the company's bottom line through precise inventory control and data-driven decision-making. Education and Experience 3+ years of purchasing or buying experience in a manufacturing environment. 2+ years of hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar) specifically within procurement and inventory modules. Microsoft Excel proficiency is required, including intermediate formulas (LOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH), and Pivot Tables. Proven track record of performing inventory analysis (ABC analysis, turnover rates, safety stock optimization) to prevent stockouts. Ability to interpret technical specifications (ASTM standards) and translate them into precise procurement requirements. Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable insights for leadership. High School Diploma or GED required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for negotiating with vendors and collaborating cross-functionally. Primary Job Duties Own the end-to-end purchase order lifecycle within the ERP system, maintaining high data accuracy, and ensuring audit compliance. Execute high-volume transaction processing, including PO creation, changing orders, and receipt confirmation, without supervisory oversight. Maintain master data accuracy for item codes, vendor profiles, lead times, and cost histories. Generate and interpret ERP reports to track spending, vendor performance, and inventory aging. Act as an analyst for inventory levels, utilizing ERP data to balance raw material availability against production schedules. Perform ad-hoc analysis on demand fluctuations, seasonality, and supply chain disruptions to recommend immediate adjustments to ordering strategies. Implement and monitor ABC analysis to prioritize management efforts on high-value, high-risk items (precious metals). Negotiate volume discounts, payment terms, and service level agreements directly with suppliers. Manage the supplier performance review process using data-driven scorecards (on-time delivery, quality rates, price variance). Lead corrective action processes for vendor non-conformance, tracking resolution to closure. Conduct market research to identify alternative sourcing opportunities and mitigate supply chain risks. Build and maintain dynamic Excel dashboards to visualize KPIs (e.g., inventory turnover, purchase price variance, supplier lead time trends) for leadership review. Partner with the Production Operations Manager to align procurement strategies with manufacturing goals. Identify process inefficiencies and propose solutions to streamline workflows. Skill Proficiency Level Requirement ERP Systems (Procurement / Inventory Modules) Intermediate Required Microsoft Excel (Lookups, Pivot Tables) Intermediate Required Data Analysis & Ad-Hoc Reporting Intermediate Required Inventory Management Logic Intermediate Required Negotiation & Vendor Relations Intermediate Required Microsoft Word & Outlook Intermediate Required Language Skills Must possess the ability to read, interpret, and analyze technical and financial documents in English, including:

Technical Specifications:

ASTM standards, Mill Test Reports (MTR)

Regulatory Documents:

Audit reports, vendor contracts, government trade regulations, and internal cost accounting procedures.

System Documentation:

ERP user manuals, software update logs, and Excel function guides. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to: Write clear, concise, and data-driven reports for the Controller (e.g., variance analysis, inventory valuation summaries) and the Production Operations Manager (e.g., supply chain risk assessments, material availability based on sales demand.) Speak effectively in cross-functional meetings involving Finance, Production, and Quality Assurance. Communicate professionally with external stakeholders, including negotiating terms with international suppliers, resolving quality disputes with vendors, and responding to technical inquiries from clients regarding material specifications. Mathematical & Analytical Skills Proficiency with algebraic calculations, percentages, ratios, and volume computations. Ability to interpret cost-benefit analyses and ROI calculations for procurement decisions. Comfort working with large datasets and drawing actionable insights without supervision. Physical Demands Duties require sitting, standing, walking, and occasional kneeling or bending. Employee must have 20/20 vision with corrective lenses if needed. Equal Opportunity Employer California Fine Wire is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. You will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Note This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$32.00 - $36.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person