Purchasing Manager

Job Description

Title :Purchasing Manager
Location : Atchison, KS
Hire Type : Contract-to-hire
Shift : 1st, Mon-Fri, 7/8am-4/5pm
Target Hourly Rate : $35.00
Benefits : As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

Summary: The Purchasing Manager provides coordination between Customers, Operations, and Suppliers to ensure the successful execution of supply chain strategies and processes. This role supports day-to-day planning, purchasing, customer service, and logistics activities while driving continuous improvement within the ERP system to improve on-time delivery, reduce supply chain costs, optimize inventory turns, and increase vendor performance.

The ideal candidate can design and implement supply chain strategies while taking a hands-on approach to learning the company's products and processes. This position reports to the Director of Supply Chain.

Job Duties:

Customer Service

1. Oversee the order entry process to improve order accuracy and efficiency
2. Monitor and improve on-time delivery performance
3. Assist with developing product pricing strategies

Planning & Forecasting

1. Manage the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process using sales forecasts, inventory data, production constraints, and supplier capabilities
2. Build and maintain relationships with Sales, Engineering, Operations, and Finance to manage product life cycles
3. Develop and manage inventory strategies to achieve business objectives

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

1. Lead supplier contract negotiations and vendor management to ensure pricing, volume, quality, and delivery expectations are met
2. Identify and execute cost reduction opportunities across the supply base and material groups
3. Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers to improve cost, quality, and responsiveness
4. Lead strategic sourcing efforts with new and existing suppliers
5. Review and approve purchase orders as needed

Logistics

1. Ensure compliance with domestic and international corporate logistics programs
2. Resolve service issues with transportation providers

Supply Chain Strategy & Continuous Improvement

1. Establish, implement, and ensure compliance with supply chain policies and procedures
2. Maintain, communicate, and improve Supply Chain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
3. Drive continuous improvements within the ERP system
4. Develop the expertise of the Supply Chain team to support company growth
5. Complete special projects and analyses as needed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a manufacturing or supply chain role
• Experience across multiple supply chain disciplines, including customer service, forecasting/planning, logistics, purchasing, or quality
• Previous people management experience
• Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to structure and solve complex problems
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills preferred
• Previous experience with an ERP/MRP system is required

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Meet Your Recruiter

Amy Badal
National Account Manager

Amy is a National Account Manager at Sterling Engineering with 13 years of recruiting experience, specializing in manufacturing, engineering, and skilled trades recruitment. She has spent 10 years with Sterling, supporting clients across a variety of industrial and technical environments.

Amy focuses on recruiting for manufacturing operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, supply chain, and leadership-level positions. Her experience allows her to understand the needs of both candidates and hiring teams, helping create strong matches that align with technical requirements, career goals, and culture fit.

Amy is passionate about building long-term relationships with candidates and clients. She enjoys working in fast-paced recruiting environments where communication, problem-solving, and a clear understanding of operational needs are critical to making successful placements.

Known for her straightforward, responsive, and relationship-driven approach, Amy supports a smooth hiring process from start to finish while helping people and organizations move forward with confidence.

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Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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