About the Company
Tsubaki Nakashima (TN) is a global leader in precision components, with over 90 years of history delivering advanced solutions to the world's most demanding industries. The Ceramic Business Unit is a high-growth division, focused on providing premium ceramic balls and advanced materials to industries such as electronic vehicles, aerospace & defense, semiconductor, wind energy, healthcare, and industrial machinery. We operate with the agility of a start-up nd the foundation of a global leader, driving innovation and creating value for our customers.
Role Overview:
* The Purchaser plays a key role in ensuring uninterrupted production by sourcing and securing raw materials, components, consumables, and production-related services for the manufacturing plant. This role is accountable for achieving competitive costs, maintaining high supplier performance, and supporting operational efficiency. The Purchaser works closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Logistics teams to maintain stable supply, minimise downtime, and optimise inventory.
Key Responsibilities:
Manufacturing Procurement
* Purchase raw materials, components, MRO items, tooling, packaging, and production supplies required to support daily manufacturing operations.
* Ensure continuous availability of materials to prevent production delays or line stoppages.
* Maintain optimal inventory levels by coordinating with Production Planning and Warehouse teams.
Supplier & Sourcing Management
* Identify, evaluate, and approve suppliers capable of meeting plant-specific quality, safety, and delivery standards.
* Negotiate pricing, lead times, contracts, and supply agreements to reduce cost and risk.
* Conduct supplier performance evaluations and implement corrective actions when necessary.
* Support supplier development and onboarding for new products or engineering changes.
Production & Engineering Collaboration
* Work with Engineering teams to source new materials or support cost‑down initiatives.
* Participate in product change discussions to ensure supply readiness for new or modified components.
* Resolve supplier-related non‑conformances in partnership with the Quality team.
Cost Control & Continuous Improvement
* Drive cost‑saving initiatives through negotiation, supplier consolidation, or alternative sourcing.
* Analyse market trends (e.g., material prices, logistics costs) to support budget planning.
* Identify opportunities to optimise purchasing processes, reduce waste, and improve supply chain reliability.
Operational & Compliance Responsibilities
* Maintain accurate ERP data including pricing, lead times, and supplier details.
* Comply with all plant health & safety, environmental, and ethical sourcing policies.
* Ensure all materials meet required quality standards and industry or regulatory compliance.
* Support internal and external audits relating to procurement or supply chain processes.
Support Customer Service
* Maintain and support 3 merchandise customers for steel balls.
* Be the first point of contact
* Ensure stocks of parts are available for scheduled orders.