Sourcing Buyer
Chattanooga, TN area – Manufacturing Industry

Overview:
A Chattanooga-area manufacturer is seeking a Sourcing Buyer to support engineering and product development efforts. This role serves as a critical link between procurement, design, and suppliers—managing early-stage sourcing, vendor communication, and material planning for new product introductions. The Buyer will also assist with supplier onboarding, tooling and pilot orders, and cost control during the prototype phase.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with engineering to source components and materials for prototype builds

• Interpret technical drawings and create RFQ packages for new or modified parts

• Identify and engage suppliers aligned with product requirements and timelines

• Manage MRP-driven procurement tasks and monitor lead times, MOQs, and cost targets

• Coordinate onboarding of new suppliers and assess vendor capabilities

• Expedite tooling, samples, and parts to avoid delays in development schedules

• Track and resolve invoicing and supply discrepancies in coordination with internal teams

• Represent supply chain in cross-functional project teams focused on NPD execution

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field

• 2+ years of sourcing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment

• Proficient in MRP systems and data-driven decision-making

• Strong communication and negotiation skills with vendors and internal teams

• Skilled in Excel and familiar with tools like SharePoint or Power BI