Purchasing Inventory Control Coordinator Jobs in Iowa

Position Summary

We are a growing precision machine shop seeking a highly organized and proactive Customer Service & Materials Coordinator to serve as the primary point of contact for customers while managing material planning and purchasing activities. This position plays a critical role in ensuring customer requirements are accurately communicated throughout the organization and that materials are available to support production schedules.

The ideal candidate will excel in customer communication, order management, purchasing, and coordination with manufacturing teams. This individual will help ensure excellent customer service while maintaining the flow of materials needed to meet delivery commitments.

Essential Responsibilities

Customer Service & Order Management

• Serve as the primary contact for customers regarding orders, delivery schedules, pricing updates, and order status.
• Receive customer orders through email, customer portals, phone calls, and other communication channels.
• Enter and maintain customer orders accurately within the company's ERP/MRP system.
• Review customer requirements and communicate priorities to production and management teams.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries regarding schedule changes, shipment status, and product availability.
• Coordinate and communicate order changes, expedites, delays, and other customer requests.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with customers.

Production Coordination

• Work closely with production personnel to understand capacity, scheduling requirements, and material needs.
• Monitor open orders and production schedules to ensure customer commitments are met.
• Communicate potential scheduling issues and develop solutions with both customers and internal teams.
• Support continuous improvement of order processing and communication workflows.

Materials Planning & Purchasing

• Analyze production schedules and inventory levels to determine material requirements.
• Plan and order raw materials necessary to support production demands.
• Create and manage purchase orders with suppliers.
• Follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time material deliveries.
• Manage inventory levels to balance customer requirements while minimizing excess inventory.
• Resolve material shortages and expedite critical supply orders when necessary.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and inventory records within the ERP/MRP system.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or above.
• 3+ years of experience in customer service, purchasing, materials planning, production planning, manufacturing administration, or a related role.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Excel.
• Ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal production teams.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Experience in a manufacturing or machine shop environment.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Knowledge of purchasing, inventory control, and material planning processes.
• Understanding of machining, fabrication, or industrial manufacturing operations.
• Experience working with customer portals and supplier management systems.

Key Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Organization and Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Purchasing and Negotiation
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Inventory Management
• Production Planning Support
• Effective Communication

Success in This Role

A successful candidate will:

• Ensure customer orders are entered accurately and processed on time.
• Maintain excellent customer relationships through proactive communication.
• Keep production supplied with the right materials at the right time.
• Help the company meet delivery commitments and production goals.
• Coordinate effectively across customers, suppliers, and the shop floor.

Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience, plus benefits.
Benefits: [Health Insurance, PTO, Retirement Plan, etc.]

To Apply: Please submit your resume and relevant work experience.

Engaged in the manufacturing of precision components for various industries. CNC lathing and machining, assembly and testing.