Inventory Buyer

About Critical Loop

Critical Loop is shaping the next generation of energy systems by building the integrated edge grid of the future. Specializing in advanced energy management and battery control systems, Critical Loop empowers businesses and communities to seamlessly unite distributed energy resources for faster, more reliable, and affordable grid access. With deep expertise in grid modernization and a passion for creating resilient, responsive energy solutions, Critical Loop drives innovation at the intersection of technology and energy.

Critical Loop is seeking a hands-on Buyer to support daily purchasing, production, and inventory activities. This person will create and maintain purchase orders, follow up with suppliers, track deliveries, and keep purchasing records and reports current.

The right candidate is organized, accurate, and persistent with follow-up. They should be comfortable contacting suppliers, getting clear delivery commitments, and raising concerns early when materials may not arrive in time to support production.

This is a fully on-site role that will report to our Torrance HQ office.

Responsibilities

• Purchase Order Administration: Create, update, and manage purchase orders and Vendor Return Material Authorizations (VRMAs) accurately within company systems.

• Verify part numbers, quantities, pricing, approved supplier terms, shipping information, and required delivery dates before issuing purchase orders.

• Obtain supplier order acknowledgments and resolve differences between the purchase order and supplier confirmation.

• Follow up regularly with suppliers on open orders, confirm shipment dates, and obtain tracking information.

• Expedite materials when needed and promptly communicate delays, shortages, or changes to the Supply Chain Manager and affected teams.

• Maintain accurate open PO and material shortage reports, including current delivery dates, supplier updates, and next actions.

• Work with Production, Engineering, and the warehouse team to follow up on materials needed for upcoming builds.

• Support inventory accuracy by helping reconcile receiving records, quantity differences, and material discrepancies.

• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to resolve missing, incorrect, damaged, or rejected materials, including returns, replacements, and credits.

• Support Accounting with purchase order, receipt, and invoice discrepancies.

• Keep purchasing records and company systems accurate and follow established purchasing and approval procedures.

Qualifications

• At least two years of hands-on purchasing experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience creating and managing purchase orders, following up with suppliers, and tracking deliveries.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.

• Clear communication skills and consistent follow-through with suppliers and internal teams.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including maintaining trackers, sorting and filtering data, and using basic formulas.

• Familiarity with purchasing systems and basic inventory and receiving processes.

• Ability to manage several open orders and changing priorities while keeping urgent items visible.

• Willingness to work closely with production and warehouse teams to resolve day-to-day material issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience purchasing electrical or mechanical components for manufacturing.

• Familiarity with bills of materials (BOMs), part numbers, and revision control.

• Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for purchasing and inventory.

• Familiarity with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) to identify what materials are needed, in what quantities, and when.

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, or a related field preferred; relevant practical experience is equally valued.

What Success Looks Like

Purchase orders are accurate, supplier commitments are documented, reports are current, and production teams have clear visibility into material availability. Shortages and delays are raised early, and open issues are followed through to resolution.

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Critical Loop is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to building a diverse team and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.