Direct Materials Buyer & MRP Controller (QAD)

Day in the life

You own the flow of direct materials that keep automotive production on track. From curating Item Master data in QAD to converting EDI 830 forecasts into accurate supplier schedules, you make sure every recommendation from MRP is clean, timely, and actionable. You stay ahead of long-lead raw glass and vinyl, keep safety stock healthy, and maintain FIFO so components move through the plant exactly as planned.

What you'll do

• Administer and maintain QAD ERP master data and signals (Item Master, Supplier Schedules, EDI 830 releases, and CUM reconciliation).
• Diagnose and correct issues in Customer EDI, QAD part setup, or Bills of Material that distort MRP recommendations and production plans.
• Coordinate purchase order releases so suppliers meet build schedules and customer demand windows.
• Track supplier delivery performance and any expedited freight activity; drive actions to close gaps.
• Resolve invoice and receipt discrepancies in partnership with Suppliers and Finance.
• Plan and schedule shipments of returnable packaging to suppliers.
• Forecast consumption for raw glass and vinyl with long lead times or campaign-based production.
• Escalate chronic or critical supplier issues to SCM Commodity Managers.
• Conduct cycle counts; investigate variances and implement corrections to ensure inventory accuracy for purchased components.
• Participate actively in monthly Physical Inventory counts.
• Create, deploy, and sustain a robust FIFO inventory system.
• Adjust inventory levels in response to demand fluctuations while maintaining appropriate safety stock.
• Provide both short-term and long-range forecasts to suppliers.
• Ensure proper storage and handling of hazardous or temperature-sensitive materials.
• Monitor shelf life and take action to minimize obsolescence.
• Maintain optimal inventory while meeting reduction targets and reducing EOP obsolescence.
• Coordinate prototype purchase orders for new parts in support of SOP.

Represent the organization with professional verbal and written communication, especially during high-pressure expedite escalation calls with suppliers.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, or a related discipline (required).
• Experience:
  • 4–8 years in Purchasing, Material Planning, or Supply Chain within a Tier 1 Automotive manufacturing environment.
  • Hands-on experience with integrated ERP in manufacturing; QAD preferred.
• Other:
  • Proven team collaboration to deliver shared outcomes.
  • Ability to work beyond 40 hours per week when needed, including some weekends and holidays.
  • Regular and predictable attendance.

Core competencies

• Deep familiarity with QAD Item Master, Supplier Schedules, EDI 830 releases, and CUM management.
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Hands-on, data-driven problem solving and root-cause analysis.
• Strong analytical capability, especially around forecasting and capacity awareness.
• Resilience and positivity when navigating changing priorities and practical constraints.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Commitment to the Carlex Values: Safety, Accountability, Results Oriented, Team Approach, Customer Focused, and strong Integrity and Ethics.

Proficiencies

• Shipping/Receiving
• Automotive Manufacturing Systems
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Microsoft Excel
• Coordinating orders
• FIFO inventory knowledge
• Invoicing
• Problem solving
• QAD ERP System knowledge
• Scheduling
• Supplier Schedules
• Tracking orders