Purchasing Manager (Raleigh)

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for managing the procurement process for materials, components, and production equipment required for power equipment manufacturing, particularly reactors and transformers. As a critical 0-to-1 role, the ideal candidate will be heavily involved in ground-up supply chain development, vendor certification, and establishing procurement standard workflows. The role ensures the procurement of high-quality materials at competitive prices, while adhering to delivery schedules and compliance standards. This role also includes managing vendor relationships, optimizing costs, and coordinating cross-functional efforts between departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the 0-to-1 establishment of the local and international supply chain network for the new Wilson facility.
• Follow the company's procurement plan and execute procurement for materials, components, and production equipment for reactors and transformers.
• Conduct RFQs (Request for Quotation), perform price comparisons, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure contract finalization, all while meeting quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing suppliers, regularly assessing their performance in terms of quality, delivery, and price.
• Assist in the identification and qualification of new suppliers and ensure they meet company standards and requirements.
• Facilitate supplier audits, qualification processes, and sample approvals.
• Track trends in material pricing and suggest cost optimization strategies.
• Collaborate with the quality department to address issues related to incoming material inspections, quality non-conformance, and quality improvement actions.
• Work closely with R&D, production, engineering, and quality teams to ensure timely material availability for production and new product development needs.
• Support NPI (New Product Introduction) projects, ensuring on-time supplier sample deliveries, pilot material availability, and smooth transition to mass production.
• Ensure Procurement activities comply with internal company policies and relevant laws and regulations.
• Identify potential supply risks and develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks.

Qualifications

• College degree or above, majoring in supply chain, logistics, procurement, or mechanical and electrical engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing material procurement and supply chain management.
• Proven experience in a start-up manufacturing environment or building a supply chain from the ground up is highly preferred.
• Familiar with material characteristics, supply chain channels, prices, and supply methods in the transformer and reactor product.
• Proficient in North American tariff rules and local supplier development in the United States.
• Familiar with procurement cost accounting, negotiation, supplier evaluation, and performance management; proficient in using ERP and supply chain systems
• With the ability to plan materials, control inventory, and coordinate delivery risks.