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Purchasing, Tool Crib & Supplier Coordinator

Pace Industries · Grafton, WI · Full time

Posted Aug 27, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you saved money on supplies without hurting quality or availability.

What they are checking: Whether they can find real cost savings and judge when cheaper is actually more expensive.

Tell me about a time you caught a pricing or invoice error.

What they are checking: Whether they check details carefully and protect the company from paying for mistakes.

What would you do

A production line is about to run out of a critical tool and the supplier says two weeks. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can find alternatives and expedite under pressure instead of just reporting the delay.

How do you keep tool crib inventory accurate when people take items on every shift?

What they are checking: Whether they build issuing controls and cycle counts so the records match what is on the shelf.

A supplier keeps shipping late. How would you approach that conversation?

What they are checking: Whether they can hold suppliers accountable while keeping a relationship they still depend on.

Maintenance and production both say their order is urgent. How do you decide?

What they are checking: Whether they prioritize by real impact on uptime and can explain the call to both sides.

About the work

How would you set minimum and maximum levels for a cutting insert that the CNC area uses every day?

What they are checking: Whether they base min/max on usage and lead time so the floor never runs out and cash is not tied up.

Walk me through how you handle a purchase from getting quotes to closing the order.

What they are checking: Whether they follow a clean purchasing process with quotes, POs, and follow-up on open orders.

What is the difference between MRO supplies and production consumables, and why does it matter for how you buy them?

What they are checking: Whether they understand categories of spend and plan purchasing differently for each.

What systems have you used to track inventory and purchase orders?

What they are checking: Whether they can work comfortably in ERP or inventory tools that drive replenishment and reporting.

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The full job description

As published by Pace Industries.

Join us in becoming the premier die casting manufacturer and engineering solutions supplier worldwide. Position Summary The Purchasing, Tool Crib & Supplier Coordinator is responsible for the organization, inventory control, issuance, replenishment, and purchasing of tooling, supplies, and consumable materials used in the die-casting operation. The position works closely with Production, Maintenance, Tooling, and outside suppliers to ensure required materials are available when needed while maintaining appropriate inventory levels and controlling costs. The position is also responsible for coordinating and executing purchasing activities related to tool crib products and operational supplies, including obtaining quotes, issuing purchase orders, monitoring deliveries, following up on open orders, and supporting supplier negotiations. The position serves as a primary point of contact for suppliers and vendors, assisting with product selection, pricing, availability, problem resolution, and identification of cost-saving or process-improvement opportunities. Essential Responsibilities • Monitor inventory levels and initiate replenishment to prevent production interruptions. • Establish and maintain appropriate minimum/maximum inventory levels. • Purchase tooling, MRO supplies, consumables, PPE, and other materials within assigned purchasing authority. • Create and issue purchase orders and ensure compliance with established approval processes and purchasing policies. • Obtain quotes, negotiate pricing and commercial terms, and evaluate supplier options. • Track open purchase orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery. • Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, product availability, substitutions, and delivery issues. • Resolve purchasing-related issues, including incorrect shipments, pricing discrepancies, shortages, and returns. • Identify opportunities to consolidate products, reduce inventory, standardize supplies, and lower costs. • Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships and support supplier performance evaluation. • Maintain records for purchases, inventory transactions, purchase orders, and tool issuance. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required. Previous experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably die casting, machining, tooling, maintenance, or MRO inventory, is preferred. The position requires strong organizational skills, basic computer and inventory-system proficiency, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to communicate effectively with both internal departments and outside suppliers.

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