Strategic Purchasing Manager

Strategic Purchasing Director Deutsche Windtechnik (DWT) is Germany’s largest Independent Service Provider, offering a comprehensive service package for Wind Turbine Generators (WTG) from one single source. With more than 9,000 WTGs under contract and more than 2,200 worldwide employees operating in Europe, the US and Asia, DWT sets the bar for Independent Service Provider services. DWT began operations in North America in 2018 and is headquartered in Houston, TX. Our goal is to set the standard for best-in-class levels of quality, safety, efficiency, and customer service in the US market. In the capacity of a Strategic Purchasing Manager at DWT, your contribution is crucial to fostering the company's expansion. The Strategic Purchasing Manager will lead and optimize procurement operations within our organization. This role is key to driving supplier performance, supporting project delivery, and localizing components in coordination with our U.S. and German teams. The ideal candidate will bring strong vendor negotiation skills, deep experience in procurement process optimization, and the ability to mentor and guide team members across departments. Are You Looking To Develop and manage strong relationships with vendors, distributors, and internal teams including Sales, Engineering, EHS, and QA Localize and source components from U.S. suppliers, working closely with German and U.S. departments to ensure alignment and compliance Analyze procurement activities, recommend improvements, and implement efficient procurement methods, including standardization and cooperative buying Negotiate pricing, terms, deadlines, and expectations with vendors while sourcing competitive quotes for materials Identify and qualify new vendors to support strategic growth and business execution Conduct vendor audits and on-site visits to ensure quality, KPIs, and EHS compliance Liaise with project managers to ensure material updates, delivery accuracy, and ongoing procurement support Are You Ready To Evaluate vendor bids, terms, and proposals to ensure alignment with DWT standards and deliver cost-effective solutions Maintain accurate vendor performance databases and administer contracts, NDAs, and term sheets Provide procurement and operations staff with day-to-day guidance and ERP system (IFS and ProAlpha) support Monitor market and delivery trends to evolve procurement strategies accordingly Assist with inventory management, goods receiving, and order preparation in collaboration with the Inventory Manager Participate in pre-deployment and site transition meetings to anticipate business needs and propose proactive solutions Uphold safety protocols while in warehouse environments, including use of proper PPE What You’ll Need Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field 5+ years of procurement experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or engineering environment Valid Driver’s License Proven track record in supplier negotiation, localization, and process optimization Experience with ERP systems (preferably IFS and ProAlpha) and strong data analysis skills Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to collaborate across departments Excellent organizational and project management skills Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment Experience with international vendors or multi-national procurement processes Knowledge of EHS and quality assurance standards in a technical environment Hands-on experience in logistics, warehousing, or materials management What You’ll Get 401k with fully vested, generous company match available after 6 months Generous PTO, excellent medical/dental/vision benefits Competitive compensation Personalized and ongoing training Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Deutsche Windtechnik is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender status, sex stereotyping, protected veteran or military status, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law. EEO is the law. Applicants and employees are protected under federal law from discrimination. #J-18808-Ljbffr Deutsche Windtechnik