About this position
The Buyer/ Shipping Supervisor is responsible for procuring materials and services required to support production while leading daily shipping and receiving operations at the Coldwater facility. This role manages supplier performance, purchase transactions, and logistics execution to ensure material availability, on-time customer delivery, and efficient product flow.
This position serves as a key link between Procurement, Operations, and Customer Delivery by balancing cost, quality, and schedule while supervising shipping personnel and workflow performance.
Requirements:Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Procurement & Supplier Management
• Review and process requisitions and purchase orders for accuracy and policy compliance
• Source materials and services; obtain quotes and evaluate supplier capabilities
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules within assigned authority
• Manage supplier relationships and monitor performance (cost, quality, delivery)
• Expedite orders, manage backorders, and communicate material status to Operations
• Identify alternative sources during shortages, capacity constraints, or price changes
• Maintain purchasing records and documentation in ERP system
• Support trade compliance and conflict minerals documentation and audits
• Train and support entry-level purchasing personnel
Shipping & Logistics Leadership
• Supervise daily shipping and receiving operations including pick, pack, and shipment of customer orders
• Lead, coach, and develop shipping team members
• Ensure accurate receiving, inventory movement, and shipment documentation
• Balance workload and staffing to support production and customer schedules
• Improve organization, performance, and efficiency of shipping operations
• Drive continuous improvement of product flow and logistics procedures
Operational Collaboration & Safety
• Partner with Production, Planning, and Quality to meet delivery commitments
• Communicate delivery risks and recovery plans proactively
• Ensure adherence to company policies, safety standards, and procedures
• Promote a safe working environment for employees and visitors
Qualifications Education & Experience
• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field OR
• 5-7 years of experience in purchasing, materials, logistics, or manufacturing operations
Skills & Knowledge
• Experience with ERP systems and Microsoft Office
• Supplier negotiation and vendor management experience
• Shipping/warehouse supervision experience preferred
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize and make sound decisions in a fast-paced production
environment
• Lean manufacturing principles a plus
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position requires regular presence on the manufacturing floor. Work is performed in a
factory environment with temperature fluctuations ranging approximately from 40° F to
100° F+. Frequent walking, standing, and interaction with production and shipping
operations is required.
Search Process Note
The Elmet Group is managing this search directly and is not accepting submissions from outside recruitment firms.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Elmet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of our employees, our customers, and the communities we serve.