Purchasing Manager

Engineered Materials Solutions is seeking a an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead our procurement operations within our metals manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring that all materials, components, and services required for production are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively, and in a timely manner. If you are passionate about optimizing purchasing processes and delivering exceptional value to a manufacturing organization, we encourage you to apply and join our committed team dedicated to operational excellence and growth.

Position Summary:

Experienced Purchasing Manager with a strong background in the metal distribution and manufacturing sectors.  Lead the company's strategic sourcing, procurement, and raw material management functions to ensure cost-effective, reliable supply of metals and operational materials supporting manufacturing operations. Responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, inventory optimization, and risk mitigation initiatives. Partner with Sales, Operations and Finance teams to align purchasing activities with S&OP forecasts, customer demand, and business growth objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives for raw materials, MRO supplies, services, and capital equipment to support operational and financial goals.
• Lead procurement activities for key metals including carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and nickel alloys.
• Identify, qualify, and develop multiple domestic and global sources of supply to ensure continuity, competitive pricing, and risk mitigation.
• Manage supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, cost competitiveness, and corrective action processes.
• Negotiate pricing agreements, payment terms, contracts, and lead-time reduction initiatives to achieve annual cost savings and working capital objectives.
• Conduct regular supplier business reviews and cultivate strategic partnerships with key vendors and metal service centers.
• Support commodity risk management initiatives, including metal market analysis, forecasting, and hedging activities.
• Establish and manage vendor-managed inventory (VMI) and consignment programs to improve inventory turns and supply reliability.
• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, and Operations teams to review, negotiate, and administer supplier agreements and contracts.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives within purchasing and procurement processes to enhance efficiency, visibility, and control.
• Ensure accurate material master data, standards, and pricing information are maintained within ERP systems.
• Analyze commodity market trends, metal indices, and economic conditions to support purchasing decisions and budgeting activities.
• Partner with Sales and Operations teams to align purchasing plans with S&OP forecasts, production schedules, and customer requirements.
• Mentor and support purchasing personnel while promoting best practices in procurement and supplier management.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost savings, supplier performance, inventory management, and procurement effectiveness
• Travel to supplier and vendor locations, both domestic and international as required, to conduct business reviews, evaluate manufacturing capabilities, audit quality and operational performance, strengthen supplier relationships, support negotiations, and identify continuous improvement opportunities.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• 5–10 years of progressive procurement, sourcing, or purchasing leadership experience within manufacturing, metals, or industrial distribution environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in sourcing and procurement of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nickel alloys, and other industrial raw materials.
• Strong understanding of commodity markets, contract negotiations, supplier development, inventory management, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (Oracle) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex supply agreements and deliver measurable cost reductions.
• Excellent analytical, communication, leadership, and relationship management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with global sourcing and international supplier management.
• Knowledge of metal hedging programs and commodity risk management.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or APICS certification preferred.