Title:Purchaser
Reports to:Purchasing and Scheduling Manager
Summary
At Titan Trailers, the Purchaser is responsible for procuring commodities, supplies, equipment, and services essential to our manufacturing process.
The role requires collaboration with engineers and shop supervisors to expertly source goods and services that meet specifications at the most favorable cost. Building and maintaining strategic relationships with key suppliers is essential to ensure material availability and adequate inventory levels to support production.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and evaluate vendors of materials, equipment, and supplies for Titan Trailers manufacturing needs
- Apply working knowledge of international trade, including importing/exporting customs documentation, HS codes, and their impact on tariffs and duties
- Negotiate purchasing contracts and evaluate cost and quality of goods and services
- Source optimal suppliers to ensure quality products at competitive prices
- Collaborate with internal teams during specification of equipment, products, or substitute materials and act promptly to secure required components
- Support the quality team with supplier claims on defective parts
- Establish delivery schedules and monitor progress to resolve client and supplier issues
- Analyze inventory requirements based on sales trends and current levels
- Place purchase orders to maintain optimal stock levels and meet production schedules
- Maintain an accurate and up-to-date purchase order database to support analysis and reporting
- Provide relevant product, storage, lead time, and order information to internal departments as needed
- Prepare and manage bids, requests for quotes/proposals/information, and other vendor documentation
- Work with cross-functional teams to identify alternative solutions during shortages or delivery delays to minimize operational impact
- Coordinate with Engineering to ensure accurate data flow between engineering specifications and ERP systems
- Participate in continuous improvement programs by documenting procedure enhancements and contributing to system/process upgrades
- Liaise with Sales to advise on customer specification requests and associated costs
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Requirements
- Progressive experience in purchasing is a strong asset
- Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management is preferred
- Experience in the transport trailer industry considered a plus
- Proven track record in negotiating purchasing agreements and sourcing commodities
- Knowledge of international customs for imports and exports
- Understanding of LME and metal pricing trends
- Experience using ERP systems, particularly Global Shop, is an asset
- Strong proficiency in Windows environment and advanced Excel skills
- Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a team-oriented mindset
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with diplomacy in negotiation and conflict resolution
- Strong organizational skills, including priority, time, and project management
- Comfortable managing complexities inherent in custom manufacturing
Work Conditions
- Adaptable to shifting priorities based on business needs
- Experience working in both national and international purchasing environments
- Manual dexterity to operate desktop computer and peripherals
- Availability to attend occasional in-person meetings at multiple company locations