Strategic Purchasing & Supply Chain Leader

Description POSITION OVERVIEW The Purchasing Manager role is responsible for all purchasing duties, including inventory management, sales & operations planning, demand and forecast planning, sourcing, cost reduction management, supply-chain risk mitigations, as well as many other duties and responsibilities. This role leads the department, its staff, and is accountable for all Supply-Chain related performance. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develops and implements purchasing strategies that align with operational requirements and financial objectives. Researches, evaluates, and selects appropriate supply vendors in alignment with company standards, sourcing strategies, and business objectives. Analyzes vendor and supply chain risks to develop and implement purchasing and sourcing strategies that minimize disruption across the organization. Manages the procurement of raw materials, components, and finished goods for manufacturing and distribution to support manufacturing and distribution operations. Negotiates vendor pricing, contracts, and terms to achieve cost, quality, and delivery objectives. Maintains and develops supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply and performance Acts as a liaison between Operations, Sales, and vendors on product needs and related material selection/issues to achieve mutual goals. Collaborates with Operations to proactively understand purchasing needs on common items or commodities to maximize purchasing leverage and ensure material availability and budget goals are met. Maintains and updates all vendor records within the ERP systems to ensure vendor contact, pricing, and costing information is up to date and accurately recorded. Generates and distributes Purchase Orders to ensure timely procurement of goods. Provides monthly updates to Operations on major raw material trends and key material problems to ensure changes with material needs or schedules are identified timely. Monitors, analyzes and adjusts inventory stocking levels and purchasing replenishment methods to optimize inventory turnover, reduce costs, and align with demand forecasts. Assists with the inventory cycle count process, reconciling discrepancies of parts managed to ensure part counts are accurately updated. Actively supports Lean Initiatives through participation in training and related events to foster productivity and process improvement within the department or cross-functional areas. Track key purchasing metrics, analyze data, and report insights to senior management to support strategic decision-making. Requirements EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS Education Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Purchasing, or related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of coursework and experience. APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) (preferred) Lean Six Sigma (preferred) OSHA 10 Hour (Preferred) Experience Minimum 5 years of purchasing experience, preferably in a distribution related environment, with demonstrated leadership or management experience (required) Minimum 3 years of global supply chain experience (required) minimum 3 years of ERP experience (required) Knowledge & Skills Capable of working independently to manage day-to-day operations Strong organizational and time-management skills, including ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously Aptness to read, analyze and interpret supply chain related data Ability to communicate and articulate information Creativity in approaching complex challenges and problems Negotiating service or supply agreements with vendors Able to use sound judgement and perform strategic decision making Capability to elicit cooperation and quality information from a wide variety of stakeholders Ability to measure and analyze key performance indicators (ROI and KPIs) Intermediate level ability in the Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES Self-motivated, can work independently to achieve the goals of the position. Collaborative with an excellent ability to build and maintain positive relationships within the company and with vendors is essential. Excellent negotiation skills and an ability to influence decisions. CULTURAL ATTRIBUTES Respectful of team members and policies, goal and customer-focused; has the ability to stay focused on quality, as well as being efficient to produce a high level of output on the job. Requires an excellent work ethic with the ability to learn and problem-solve.