Job Opportunities

Laird Mfg. is a premier manufacturer of cattle feeding equipment in the city of Merced. It provides growth-oriented opportunities to professionals while working in an excellent environment. Laird is currently accepting applications in the following position:

Job Available: Purchasing Inventory Control Manager – Merced

Company Description

Laird Manufacturing is a machinery company based in Merced County, CA. We specialize in manufacturing and distributing high-quality machinery for agriculture industries. Our products are designed to meet the specific needs of our clients and are built to the highest standards of quality and durability. We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer satisfaction and our ability to deliver reliable and efficient machinery solutions.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for a Purchasing Inventory Control Manager. As the Purchasing Inventory Control Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of inventory control, purchasing, and supply chain management. Your day-to-day tasks will include managing inventory levels, conducting physical inventory counts, creating and managing purchase orders, analyzing inventory data, and negotiating contracts with suppliers. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the availability of materials and supplies, optimize inventory levels, and drive cost savings.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Purchasing Management:

1. Build and develop relationships with key suppliers and customers.
2. Lead teams as needed for forecasting, process improvement, tactical product changes, etc.
3. Document and implement procurement strategies and policies.
4. Support lean and ERP/MRP system development as it pertains to material demand, supply and costing
5. Monitor customer, supplier and industry business climates to supply senior management with purchasing activity insights
6. Prepare purchase orders in accordance with company policy and negotiated terms/conditions.
7. Track purchasing activity and measurements.
8. Train purchasing and inside sales personnel within the department.
9. Discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services with users, vendors and others to determine cause of problem and take corrective action.
10. Ensure supplier compliance with site and company requirements for safety.
11. Help to lower cost and secure agreements.
12. Support the Accounts Payable to ensure accurate and timely payment of invoices
13. Provide feedback to engineering on bill of materials availability and accuracy.

Inventory control Management:

1. Forecast demands for key materials and support purchasing in application of the forecast
2. Continuously promote the use of processes and systems to improve materials management
3. Support engineering and purchasing for developing and maintaining bill of materials and work order records Work with Subject Matter Experts (SME) to implement management systems (ERP/MRP, web-portals, etc.
4. Document processes and procedures as needed to address root-cause of errors and other problems.
5. Create and implement Key Performance Indicators (KPI) using ERP and other system data
6. Continually develop expertise to expand use of the lean tool set, including ERP systems
7. Identify training needs and sources of training content

Supplier Management:

1. Evaluate supplier performance and conduct supplier evaluations to ensure compliance with quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
2. Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, cost reduction, and process improvement.
3. Resolve supplier issues and disputes in a timely and effective manner to maintain productive supplier relationships.

Team Leadership:

1. Lead and mentor a team of purchasing and inventory control professionals, providing guidance, training, and support as needed.
2. Foster a collaborative and results-driven work environment, promoting teamwork and accountability.
3. Set clear performance objectives and KPIs for the team and monitor performance against targets.

Compliance and Risk Management:

1. Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements related to purchasing and inventory control.
2. Identify and mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions, supplier reliability, and inventory management.
3. Implement internal controls and best practices to safeguard company assets and minimize operational risks.
Will serve as acting Operation Manager during his/her absence.

  • Approve out of policy department expenditures.
  • Communicate with Supervisors, Managers, and General Manager on Department operations.
  • Document human resource paperwork only as needed.
  • Identify training needs and sources of training content.
  • Continually develop expertise to support purchasing and management functions.
  • Negotiate and manage IT and management consultant resources.

8.      Work requires willingness to work a flexible schedule and ensure consistent attendance.
9.      Complies with all company policies and procedures and adheres to company standards.

  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

1. The successful candidate should possess a combination of relevant education and a degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred; along with a minimum of 5 years of experience in purchasing, inventory management, with at least 1 year in a managerial role, or a related field. Candidates with equivalent education and experience will also be considered.
2. Advanced reading, writing, and math skills. This is normally acquired completion of high school requirements
3. Knowledge of office processes, procedures, and technology.
4. Experience in managing team activities.
5. Ability to read and interpret accounting and financial reports. This is normally acquired through a combination of the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and/or three to five years of office experience.
6. Strong understanding of procurement processes, inventory control principles, and supply chain management concepts.
7. Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
8. Proficiency in inventory management software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
9. Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience managing cross-functional teams.
10. Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
11. Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards governing purchasing and inventory management.

WORKING/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Mobility: While the role primarily involves office-based work, Purchasing Inventory Control Managers may need to move around the warehouse or storage areas occasionally to oversee inventory counts or address issues. Therefore, the ability to move around comfortably and safely is important.
2. Sitting and Standing: Much of the work may involve sitting at a desk or computer for extended periods, so the ability to sit comfortably for long durations is necessary. Additionally, Purchasing Inventory Control Managers may need to stand or walk for short periods during warehouse inspections or inventory checks.
3. Lifting and Carrying: While Purchasing Inventory Control Managers may not be directly involved in heavy lifting or manual labor, they may occasionally need to lift or move lightweight inventory items or paperwork. Therefore, a reasonable level of strength and mobility is beneficial.
4. Vision: Clear vision is important for reading inventory records, analyzing data on computer screens, and conducting visual inspections of inventory items. Employees with vision impairments may require accommodations such as enlarged text or screen magnification software.
5. Fine Motor Skills: Purchasing Inventory Control Managers may need to use computers, barcode scanners, or other equipment requiring fine motor skills and dexterity. Therefore, good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills are beneficial.
6. Health and Wellness: Maintaining overall health and wellness is important for any role, including Purchasing Inventory Control Manager. This includes managing stress levels, getting adequate rest, and taking breaks as needed to prevent fatigue and promote well-being.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $100,000 – 148,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, – experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and, alignment with market data.)

  • Competitive pay
  • Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance for full-time employees
  • 401K with company match
  • Profit sharing
  • Paid Vacation
  • EEO Employer

Laird Manufacturing is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and it is our policy to not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.

California applicants: to see how we protect your data, visit our website at https://lairdmanufacturing.com/california-consumer-privacy-act/