Job Summary

The Expediter is responsible for ensuring timely delivery of materials, components, and products throughout the supply chain and production process. This role works closely with procurement, production, logistics, and suppliers to track order status, resolve delays, and maintain production schedules. The Expediter plays a critical role in minimizing downtime, improving workflow efficiency, and ensuring on-time delivery to customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and track purchase orders, work orders, and material movement to ensure timely delivery of required items.
• Liaise with vendors, buyers, and production teams to expedite back-ordered or delayed materials.
• Communicate daily with suppliers to get updates on order status and proactively resolve any issues causing delivery delays.
• Coordinate with production planners and warehouse teams to prioritize materials based on production schedules.
• Update ERP or MRP systems with accurate status of parts, deliveries, and open orders.
• Identify and report shortages, bottlenecks, or supply issues that could impact production.
• Support internal teams by providing accurate lead times and delivery status on critical items.
• Work with quality and receiving departments to resolve discrepancies or rejected parts quickly.
• Maintain clear documentation of all expediting activities, supplier communications, and delivery performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory control, lead time reduction, and supplier performance.

Qualifications

• Required:
• High school diploma or GED
• 2+ years of experience in supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing support
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor, etc.)
• Preferred:
• Associate's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field
• Experience in manufacturing or fabrication environments
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and Just-In-Time (JIT) principles

Core Characteristics

• Highly Organized - Tracks multiple orders, work orders, and inventory parts simultaneously without errors.
• Strong Sense of Urgency - Responds quickly to production delays, material shortages, or unexpected disruptions.
• Detail-Oriented - Pays close attention to order numbers, part specifications, schedules, and documentation.
• Proactive Communicator - Acts as the liaison between production, purchasing, planning, and vendors to ensure workflow continuity.
• Problem Solver - Quickly identifies bottlenecks and takes initiative to resolve material or scheduling conflicts.
• Multitasking Ability - Handles various priorities across departments with competing deadlines.
• Production Process Knowledge - Understands manufacturing flows, work orders, BOMs, and production stages to anticipate needs.
• ERP/MRP System Fluency - Comfortable navigating manufacturing software to check order status, inventory levels, and routing.
• Collaborative Attitude - Works well with supervisors, planners, warehouse staff, and vendors to move jobs forward.
• Adaptability - Shifts gears easily based on changes to production schedules or material availability.

Soft Skills

• Dependable and accountable
• Resilient under pressure
• Clear verbal and written communicator
• Team player with a customer service mindset
• Strong time management

Desired Technical Skills

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing or just-in-time (JIT) principles
• Familiar with kanban, kitting, and pull systems
• Able to read work orders, travelers, and production schedules

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods
• May require occasional lifting of materials up to 25 lbs
• Exposure to manufacturing floor environments

Working Conditions

• Office and production floor settings
• Occasional visits to supplier sites may be required
• Standard work hours with potential for overtime during critical delivery periods

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. For unincorporated Los Angeles county, to the extent our customers require a background check for certain positions, the Company faces a significant risk to its business operations and business reputation unless a review of criminal history is conducted for those specific job positions.