Purchasing/Inv Mgr (JMR)

The Purchasing/Inventory Manager at JMR is responsible for supervising a team of 5-7 buyers and managing end-to-end supply chain operations. This includes overseeing procurement, inventory management, vendor relationships, and logistics. The Manager will work with both the production team and key vendors to ensure materials are available for future jobs and will develop supply chain strategies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

To qualify for the Purchasing/Inventory Manager role at JMR, candidates should have a Bachelor of Science degree in Supply Chain Management or Business. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of experience in supply chain, purchasing, and inventory management within a manufacturing environment is essential. Knowledge of ERP systems, particularly Epicor, is a plus.

The Purchasing/Inventory Manager at JMR plays a vital role in collaborating with the production team by ensuring that materials are readily available to meet production schedules. This involves effective communication and coordination with both the production team and key vendors to address any supply chain challenges that may arise.

The salary range for the Purchasing/Inventory Manager position at JMR is between $80,000 and $100,000. This competitive salary reflects the importance of the role in overseeing critical supply chain operations within the company.

Candidates with experience in the automotive manufacturing industry will find their background particularly advantageous for the Purchasing/Inventory Manager role at JMR. Additionally, familiarity with supply chain strategies, ERP systems, and procurement processes will enhance a candidate's qualification for this position.

In answering this question, highlight your background in supply chain management, focusing on specific achievements, challenges you've faced, and any improvements you've made in efficiency or cost savings. Be sure to connect your experience with the requirements of the Purchasing/Inventory Manager role at JMR.

When discussing vendor negotiations, emphasize your strategies for building relationships, negotiating contracts, and achieving favorable terms. Provide examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past, particularly in a manufacturing context.

Mention any ERP systems you've used, particularly Epicor if applicable, and describe how you utilize them to track inventory levels, forecast demand, and analyze supply chain performance. Show your familiarity with the technologies relevant to the Purchasing/Inventory Manager role at JMR.

Choose a case where you identified a bottleneck or inefficiency in a supply chain process and detail the steps you took to resolve it. Focus on the outcomes of your actions and quantify improvements where possible, relating them back to the responsibilities of the role at JMR.

Discuss your time management and organizational skills, demonstrating how you prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact on supply chain operations. Sharing a specific example can effectively illustrate your approach.

Explain the strategies you implement to ensure accuracy, such as double-checking orders, utilizing technology, or working closely with team members. Your answer should reflect a commitment to quality, a key aspect of the Purchasing/Inventory Manager position at JMR.

Outline a systematic approach to managing supplier delivery issues, including communication strategies, alternative sourcing, and adjusting production schedules. Your response should showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to manage supply chain disruptions.

Discuss your approach to developing supply chain strategies, including data analysis, market research, and collaboration with other stakeholders. Highlight any frameworks or methodologies you rely on to create effective and efficient supply chain solutions.

Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to inventory management such as inventory turnover ratio, order accuracy, and lead times. Explain how these metrics influence your decision-making as a Purchasing/Inventory Manager.

Discuss your leadership style and methods for fostering collaboration within your team, as well as how you approach conflict resolution. Sharing a specific example where you successfully navigated team dynamics can effectively demonstrate your capability as a Purchasing/Inventory Manager.