Purchasing Associate Jobs in Needham, MA (NOW HIRING)

Cristek Interconnects, LLC, a Qnnect company, is headquartered in Anaheim, CA, with divisions in Minden, NV and North Billerica, MA which specializes in contract build-to-print cable and harness assemblies for military product. Cristek is a preferred supplier to several major military and aerospace prime contractors. Cristek has consistently earned the trust of its customers by combining solid interconnect design and manufacturing expertise with a "can-do" entrepreneurial spirit. As a result, they have earned numerous industry and customer awards. Cristek is now looking for the newest member of its team.

The Associate Buyer/Planner supports all purchasing and material planning activities at the North Billerica facility, ensuring material availability aligns with production schedules and customer delivery commitments.

This role is primarily purchasing-focused (approximately 70%) with responsibility for executing material requirements planning within BEAS (SAP Business One) and supporting production planning activities (approximately 30%).

Reporting to the Site General Manager with corporate supply chain support, this role runs MRP in BEAS, manages purchase order execution, monitors shortages, and partners cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Corporate Supply Chain to ensure operational continuity.

The culture is driven by three core pillars: Dream Big, Have Fun, and Get Stuff Done (GSD). We believe how we treat people is as important as how we perform. We operate in a high-accountability, high-recognition environment where team members are empowered to grow and take ownership. This role reflects the ACE principles — Accountability, Collaboration, and Empowerment — by ensuring material readiness, supplier performance, and system accuracy directly support operational success.

This position is designed as a growth role with development potential toward a Senior Buyer path.

Purchasing & Supplier Management (Primary Focus)

• Generate and manage purchase orders within BEAS (SAP Business One).
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure timely procurement of materials to support production.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, order status, and delivery performance.
• Proactively expedite materials to prevent production disruptions.
• Support RFQ activities and supplier selection initiatives.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, pricing records, and lead times within BEAS.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies in coordination with Accounting.
• Support supplier performance monitoring and continuous improvement efforts.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, FAR, DFAR, and internal purchasing policies.

MRP & Planning Support (BEAS System Ownership)

• Execute and review MRP runs within BEAS (SAP Business One) for the North Billerica site.
• Analyze system-generated recommendations including planned orders, shortages, and exception messages.
• Identify material constraints and communicate risks proactively.
• Coordinate with Production regarding material availability and schedule impact.
• Support work order release readiness by validating material availability in BEAS.
• Maintain accurate planning parameters including lead times, reorder points, safety stock, and vendor data.
• Escalate material risks to corporate Planner and Director of Supply Chain when required.
• Support backlog alignment and on-time delivery performance.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• BEAS Manufacturing (SAP Business One) preferred
• MRP logic including demand signals, BOM structure, lead time offsets, and exception management
• Purchasing processes within a manufacturing environment
• Aerospace / military supply chain compliance requirements
• Reading and interpreting technical drawings, specifications, and BOM structures
• Inventory control and material flow principles

Ability to:

• Run and interpret BEAS MRP outputs with minimal supervision
• Analyze material demand and respond proactively to shortages
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Communicate professionally with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Build strong working relationships across Production, Engineering, and Quality
• Maintain high levels of accuracy and data integrity
• Drive issues to closure with urgency and accountability

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent manufacturing experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Experience:

• 1–3 years of experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain, or Manufacturing Operations
• Experience working in a BEAS (SAP Business One) or comparable MRP-driven environment preferred
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environment preferred
• Must be fluent in reading, writing and speaking/understanding English
• Good manual dexterity to use inspection and office equipment
• Must meet ITAR requirements as a U.S. Person

This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee

BENEFITS:

Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Short and Long Term Disability, 401(k) with matching contribution, 9/80 work schedule, paid Holidays, Vacation and Sick Time. All benefits are eligible after successful completion of Cristek’s 90-Day Introductory Period.