Purchasing Manager - Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Purchasing Manager – Manufacturing

Position Summary

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading all procurement and sourcing activities for a manufacturing organization. This role ensures the timely and cost-effective acquisition of raw materials, components, equipment, and services required to support production operations. The Purchasing Manager develops supplier relationships, negotiates contracts, manages inventory-related purchasing strategies, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to optimize quality, cost, delivery, and risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with company goals and production requirements.
• Source, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery performance, and service levels.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and long-term agreements with vendors.
• Manage purchasing activities for raw materials, components, packaging, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) items, and capital equipment.
• Collaborate with Production, Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Finance teams to ensure material availability and operational efficiency.
• Monitor supplier performance through key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Analyze market trends, commodity pricing, and supply chain risks to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and development initiatives.
• Manage inventory investment by balancing service levels with inventory carrying costs.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop annual purchasing budgets and monitor spending against targets.
• Resolve supplier issues involving quality, delivery, pricing, and service disruptions.
• Prepare procurement reports and present performance metrics to senior leadership.
• Support strategic sourcing projects, new product launches, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead and develop purchasing staff, buyers, and procurement specialists.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of procurement practices, inventory management, and supplier relationship management.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing vendor agreements.
• Proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Epicor, or similar platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and material planning concepts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or APICS certifications.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience in global sourcing and international supplier management.
• Knowledge of commodity markets and strategic sourcing practices.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Sourcing
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Cost Reduction and Cost Analysis
• Inventory Planning
• Supply Chain Management
• Leadership and Team Development
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
• Risk Management
• Communication and Collaboration
• Project Management
• Continuous Improvement

Performance Metrics

• Material cost savings and cost avoidance
• On-time supplier delivery performance
• Inventory turns and working capital optimization
• Supplier quality performance
• Purchase order cycle time
• Contract compliance
• Procurement budget adherence
• Supplier risk mitigation effectiveness

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Primarily office-based environment within a manufacturing facility.
• Frequent interaction with production and warehouse personnel.
• Occasional travel to supplier sites, industry events, and company locations.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment as required.

Compensation

Competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with eligibility for bonus programs, comprehensive benefits, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The company is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.