Procurement Manager - Component Sourcing

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionProcurement Manager — Component Sourcing & Domestic Operations Chefman | Mahwah, NJAbout the RoleChefman is seeking a hands-on Procurement Manager to own a dual-scope procurement function: strategic sourcing of components from foreign manufacturers, and broader sourcing across logistics, capital expenditures, and domestic vendor relationships supporting our facilities and operations. This is an individual, hands-on role, not a team-management position, built for someone who negotiates directly, wherever the negotiation is happening, and doesn't rely on intermediaries to close a deal.Operations & Supplier ManagementServe as the primary point of contact for negotiations with vendors, taking ownership of pricing discussions and challenging existing cost structures to drive continuous savingsProactively identify, vet, and onboard new suppliers to diversify and strengthen the vendor base, reducing single-source riskForeign travel (25%) to conduct in-person supplier negotiations, factory audits, and production trials, and to build direct relationships with vendor leadership teamsPartner closely with local vendor contacts and, where applicable, on-the-ground teams to ensure alignment on quality, cost, and delivery expectationsLead pricing renegotiations with existing suppliers on a recurring basis, using market and commodity data to challenge quotes and benchmark against alternative vendorsRepresent Chefman at trade shows such as the Canton Fair and Hong Kong Electronics Fair to scout new suppliers, materials, and manufacturing technologiesComponent SourcingLead end-to-end component sourcing for electrical, mechanical, and electronic parts (motors, heating elements, PCBs, plastics, metals) used in kitchen appliance manufacturing, from initial specification through supplier qualification and production readinessPartner with product development and engineering teams to identify component requirements early in the design cycle, ensuring sourcing strategies align with cost targets, quality standards, and launch timelinesWork hands-on with engineering to build genuine technical fluency in the components you're sourcing, so negotiations are grounded in real product knowledge, not just commercial termsEvaluate and qualify component suppliers through technical assessments, factory audits, and production trials, maintaining an approved vendor list and driving continuous supplier performance improvementMonitor component supply markets, track commodity pricing trends, and proactively manage supply risk through dual sourcing, safety stock strategies, and alternate vendor developmentSet and enforce quality standards, inspection procedures, and manufacturing SOPs to protect product reliabilitySourcing Strategy, Logistics & Capital ExpendituresDevelop and implement sourcing strategies across logistics, freight, packaging, and distribution to optimize supply, improve quality, and maximize valueManage procurement for long-term freight and shipping arrangements, including small parcel carriers, trucking providers, and ocean freightOwn and execute sourcing strategies for capital expenditures across warehousing facilities, including automation equipment, utilities, engineering services, forklifts, warehouse vehicles, and other site investmentsNegotiate renewals of software and service agreements to ensure competitive pricing and reduce vendor fragmentationAnticipate and manage sourcing barriers and supply challenges while proactively identifying spend and savings opportunitiesDevelop negotiation strategies, scopes of work, and executive summaries for key procurement initiativesQualificationsDemonstrated experience negotiating supplier contracts and commercial agreements, ideally including direct negotiation with foreign based manufacturersProven ability to independently identify and onboard new suppliers, and to take ownership of pricing negotiations without significant oversightStrong knowledge of procurement, logistics, and inventory managementExperience leading supplier onboarding processes including audits, capability assessments, and production trialsFamiliarity with manufacturing processes related to electrical appliances or consumer productsAdvanced Excel skills with strong cost modeling and financial analysis capabilitiesStrong understanding of P&L impact and year-over-year cost savings metricsA genuinely assertive, hardball negotiating style, comfortable pushing back hard, escalating when necessary, walking away from a bad deal, or using leverage decisively when the situation calls for it. This applies wherever the negotiation is happening, not just in one country or contextHighly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to drive initiatives independentlyWillingness and ability to travel internationally (approximately 25%)PreferredHands-on experience sourcing electrical, mechanical, or electronic components within consumer products, kitchen appliances, or a related manufacturing environmentExtensive experience working directly with Asia-based component suppliers and manufacturersFamiliarity with commodity markets relevant to appliance manufacturing (motors, heating elements, PCBs, plastics, metals)Experience managing domestic capital projects or facility-related vendor contracts in addition to overseas component sourcingA Note on FitWe've found that technical sourcing knowledge and an assertive negotiating style are two separate things, both matter here, and one doesn't guarantee the other. If you've built real vendor relationships and you're someone who doesn't back down at the negotiating table, wherever that table is, we want to talk to you. Salary Range (commensurate with experience) $180,000—$200,000 USD