Purchasing and Support Specialist

Purchasing and Support Specialist Ford Tool & Machining, LLC - 2.7 Loves Park, IL Job Details Full-time $21 - $23 an hour 10 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Qualifications Vendor relationship building Sourcing Microsoft Excel Blueprint specification interpretation Administrative experience Blueprint reading Organizational skills Manufacturing Full Job Description The Purchasing and Support Specialist supports manufacturing operations by purchasing and expediting raw materials, tooling, and supplies; maintaining accurate purchasing records in Epicor; and coordinating with suppliers to meet pricing, quality, certification, and delivery requirements. This role also provides administrative support to Cost Estimating and assists with documentation and inventory activities that help keep production on schedule. Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Create, issue, and expedite purchase orders for raw materials based on customer order requirements, blueprints, and production schedule needs.
• Purchase tooling and other production/office supplies as needed to support operations.
• Request and evaluate supplier quotations; confirm pricing, lead times, and order acknowledgements.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve shortages, schedule changes, and delivery issues to maintain production continuity.
• Receive and process material purchases in the Epicor system; maintain accurate purchasing and receiving records.
• Verify materials meet customer specifications and quality requirements, including required certifications and documentation.
• Maintain positive supplier relationships and support negotiations on pricing, terms, and delivery expectations.
• Track and communicate order status, confirmations, and expected delivery dates; follow up on late or incomplete shipments.
• Assist with inventory control activities such as monitoring stock levels, supporting cycle counts, and helping reconcile discrepancies (as assigned).
• Support Cost Estimating by processing customer quote requests for the Steel division, including coordination of outsourced processes per established procedures.
• Prepare router packages and production-support documentation as needed (e.g., ballooned drawings/marked-up prints to support shop-floor production communication). Qualifications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access).
• Ability to read and interpret basic blueprints and customer specifications.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communication skills and comfort working with suppliers and internal teams.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to follow processes while identifying improvements.
• Experience purchasing raw materials and/or components (preferred).
• Experience in a manufacturing environment (preferred).
• ERP experience (Epicor preferred). Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with frequent interaction with the production floor.
• May require occasional walking/standing in manufacturing areas and the ability to lift/move light office materials (adjust as applicable).
• Regular attendance and the ability to meet time-sensitive deadlines are required.

Pay:

$21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

Blueprint reading: 2 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person