Senior Purchasing Manager

Overview of Job Description: The Senior Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing the organization’s purchasing function to achieve service, inventory, and cost objectives. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution, serving as a player-coach who actively supports the purchasing team when needed. This individual applies a comprehensive knowledge of purchasing principles and supply chain practices to manage vendor relationships, ensure quality standards, and control costs, while leading a team and administering established policies and procedures. Specific Duties and Responsibilities: Leadership & Team Management Lead, direct, and develop a team of buyers, with full authority for personnel decisions Foster a high-performance, accountable culture focused on execution, responsiveness, and continuous improvement Provide day-to-day coaching, training, and hands-on support to team members Step in to directly manage purchasing activities during high-volume periods, team absences, or complex issues Hands-On Purchasing & Execution Perform and oversee complex purchasing tasks following established processes and policies Actively participate in purchasing activities such as placing orders, expediting shipments, resolving shortages, and addressing vendor issues Ensure timely and accurate procurement aligned with forecast and inventory plans Support buyers in troubleshooting supply chain challenges and escalations Vendor Management & Negotiation Identify, evaluate, select, and negotiate with vendors to maximize quality while controlling costs Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure reliability and service performance Address and resolve vendor issues related to quality, delivery, shipping, and invoicing Continuously assess supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement or cost savings Procurement Processes & Compliance Develop and manage purchasing procedures, including RFP, RFQ, bid processes, purchase orders, and requisitions Ensure procurement activities meet quality standards while minimizing total cost Administer established purchasing policies and ensure compliance with company guidelines Partner with Compliance and Quality Assurance teams in vendor approval and qualification processes Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Design, Product Development, Sales, Inventory Planning, and Warehouse teams Support internal stakeholders in identifying sourcing solutions aligned with business needs Collaborate with Inventory Management to ensure accurate forecasting and inventory planning Ensure alignment between purchasing execution and broader operational goals Process Improvement & Operational Oversight Evaluate and improve purchasing processes to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability Analyze purchasing data, vendor performance, and inventory trends to drive improvements Primarily administer established policies and procedures while contributing to process enhancements and procedural changes Support departmental budgeting and provide input into strategic planning initiatives Knowledge/Skills/Education/Experience: Skills & Competencies Comprehensive knowledge of purchasing, sourcing, and supply chain principles Proven ability to lead while remaining hands-on in execution Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills Detail-oriented with the ability to manage complex tasks and priorities Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and Microsoft Office tools Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred 7+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in manufacturing, consumer goods, or gift industries Demonstrated experience managing people while actively handling purchasing responsibilities Global sourcing experience a plus Food industry experience a plus Key Role Expectations Functions as a working manager, not solely a delegator Balances tactical execution with leadership responsibilities Provides direct, hands-on support to ensure team success and continuity of operations Drives both operational excellence and continuous improvement Employment Type: Full Time Years Experience: 5 - 10 years Salary: $125,000 - $140,000 Annual Bonus/Commission: No