Director of Purchasing

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead strategic procurement efforts in Kohler, Wisconsin. This role will guide sourcing decisions, strengthen supplier partnerships, and drive cost, risk, and performance improvements across purchasing operations. The position also works closely with cross-functional leaders to support business goals, advance new product initiatives, and ensure reliable material availability for a complex manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities:
• Direct purchasing strategy across North American operations, aligning sourcing decisions with cost, quality, and supply continuity objectives.
• Lead supplier negotiations and category planning to improve commercial terms, reduce exposure to tariffs and market risks, and strengthen overall supply resilience.
• Oversee execution of cost-reduction initiatives, monitor procurement performance metrics, and provide clear updates to senior leadership on progress and priorities.
• Partner with internal teams across operations, engineering, finance, and business leadership to support procurement goals and resolve complex supply or resource challenges.
• Guide purchasing support for aftermarket business needs, ensuring timely material availability and coordinated engagement with relevant stakeholders.
• Drive procurement involvement in new product development programs, helping teams meet milestones and identify opportunities for scale, standardization, and value creation.
• Ensure purchasing practices follow global policies, governance standards, and established sourcing procedures across the organization.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing procurement team while promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare recurring reports, maintain visibility into key initiatives, and define actionable next steps to keep business commitments on track.• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Materials Management, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of relevant experience, including substantial purchasing responsibility within global manufacturing environments.
• At least 5 years of procurement experience supporting multi-site, multi-product operations with increasing scope of responsibility.
• 6+ years of leadership experience managing teams and guiding strategic purchasing initiatives.
• Strong background in procurement, material purchasing, supplier management, and sourcing strategy execution.
• Experience working with SAP or similar enterprise systems used to support purchasing and supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, influence stakeholders, and lead cross-functional decision-making.
• Master’s degree in Business or a technical field is preferred.