deal Candidate An experienced manufacturing buyer who is willing to get into the details while maintaining structure and control over purchasing activities. This person can shift priorities as production needs change, reconcile information across systems, and keep suppliers and internal stakeholders informed. They take initiative, ask thoughtful questions, and identify practical improvements while continuing to manage daily purchasing responsibilities. Strong buying fundamentals are essential; an interest in developing broader sourcing and supplier management skills is preferred. Key Responsibilities Manage purchasing execution. Review material requirements, place purchase orders with approved suppliers, obtain acknowledgments, and maintain accurate pricing, quantities, delivery dates, and order status. Navigate multiple systems and processes. Work effectively in Epicor, Passport, spreadsheets, and manual reports. Validate information across sources and investigate discrepancies before taking action. Maintain material availability. Monitor open orders, shortages, supplier commitments, and changing requirements. Expedite, reschedule, or recommend order adjustments to support production and inventory objectives. Resolve supply disruptions. Investigate constraints, develop recovery actions with suppliers and internal teams, and escalate risks with clear recommendations when additional support is needed. Communicate proactively. Keep scheduling, operations, sales, and purchasing leadership informed of delivery changes, lead times, shortages, and recovery plans. Coordinate demand and ordering. Partner with scheduling and plant operations to understand production priorities and demand changes, improving order timing and quantities. Support supplier performance. Hold suppliers accountable to purchase order terms, delivery commitments, and other agreed requirements. Document recurring issues and support corrective actions. Assist with quality resolution. Serve as the purchasing contact between suppliers, quality and operations to coordinate replacements, returns, credits, and follow-up actions. Identify improvement opportunities. Recommend cost savings, sourcing alternatives, and process improvements to the category owners and purchasing leadership and support implementation. Maintain purchasing discipline. Keep purchase order records and assigned purchasing data current, document decisions, and follow established approval requirements. Demonstrate TCF Core Values. Act with integrity, accountability, respect, and a commitment to customers and coworkers. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Two to four years of direct purchasing or buying experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Three or more years of business experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered. Experience using an ERP or MRP system to manage purchasing activities. Epicor Kinetic and/or Passport experience preferred; experience working across multiple systems is a strong advantage. Working proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, including the ability to sort, filter, compare, and review purchasing information. Understanding of purchase orders, material planning, lead times, inventory management, and supplier delivery performance. Strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-through. Clear, professional communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Ability to manage competing priorities and remain effective under pressure. Sound judgment, ethical decision-making, and willingness to escalate issues appropriately. Key Attributes for Success Flexible and agile: Adjusts to changing priorities and works effectively with both manual and automated processes. Proactive: Investigates issues and takes action without waiting for repeated direction. Disciplined: Maintains accurate records and follows through on commitments. Resourceful: Works through incomplete or conflicting information a…