Purchasing Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Our History: 

The Storyteller Overland vibe started out as a drawing on a restaurant napkin in 2017 illustrating a desire to help people live more adventurous lives. Back then, very few had ever heard of an adventure van, and some at the restaurant table with CEO Jeffrey Hunter had doubts it would ever sell.

The company officially launched in 2018 with a humble yet confident team of seven employees. Over the next year, we worked on launching our MODE 4x4 and finding dealer partners to work with, and finally, the dream was turning into a reality.

We’ve been fortunate to be full speed ahead since then. We’ve added sister companies to our galaxy and built out quite the impressive team – hopefully you included. We hit 500 vans built, then 1,000, then so many more that these milestones became difficult to keep track of. We’ve added new vehicles to our lineup and have built a massive community of like-minded adventurers that also continues to grow.

Today, Storyteller Overland is the most expansive adventure vehicle company in North America built on an authentic spirit of adventure, a passion for exceptionally well-crafted rigs, and a deep love and affinity for the community of owners we serve.

As we reflect on our history, though, we remind ourselves that our best ideas are still ahead of us, not behind us. Here’s to saying yes to the next grand adventure!

Workplace Vibe:

We are proud to have a values-based culture, which means we focus less on rules & transacting and more on values & transforming. Our goal is to create workplaces and spaces where great people can do great things in order to thrive and flourish both professionally and personally. 

Overview: 

As a Purchasing Manager you will assist in the daily operations of Storyteller’s procurement team. You will take full ownership of the procurement team, vendor relationships, inventory ordering, tracking, and challenges and see them through to resolution as they are your own all while being an exceptional team player and a superior brand ambassador of our reputation within our vibrant community of vanlifers, adventure seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Please note that this is a working manager position. You will be leading and doing departmental work. 

General Responsibilities: 

• Lead the day-to-day purchasing function while actively participating in procurement activities, including issuing purchase orders, expediting materials, preventing and/or resolving shortages, and supporting production schedules,
• Manage the procurement team by coaching, developing, and holding team members accountable for service levels, supplier performance, and operational excellence,
• Issue, manage, and prioritize purchase orders based on production schedules, demand forecasts, inventory levels, and supplier lead times to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations,
• Utilize the Company's ERP system to monitor inventory levels, analyze purchasing trends, and continuously improve procurement accuracy, inventory health, and data integrity,
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers, negotiating pricing, contracts, lead times, payment terms, and service levels to optimize total cost of ownership,
• Proactively monitor supplier performance, order status, and material availability, identifying and resolving potential disruptions before they impact production,
• Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to minimize supply chain risk and improve business continuity,
• Partner closely with Production, Warehouse, Engineering, Quality, and Product Development teams to ensure materials are available to support production, new product launches, engineering changes, and prototype builds,
• Evaluate supplier quality, delivery performance, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness, implementing corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives as needed,
• Monitor inventory turnover, safety stock levels, obsolete inventory, and purchasing metrics to balance product availability with working capital objectives,
• Support physical inventory counts, cycle counts, inventory audits, and material reconciliation activities while maintaining a hands-on presence within the warehouse and manufacturing environment,
• Develop and maintain procurement policies, supplier documentation, purchasing records, and reporting to ensure compliance, traceability, and operational excellence,
• Identify opportunities to automate purchasing processes, leverage AI and technology solutions, and improve procurement efficiency through process optimization,
• Foster strong cross-functional communication by participating in production planning, SIOP, and operational meetings to proactively align purchasing activities with business priorities,
• Lead by example with a servant leadership mindset, maintaining a visible presence on the manufacturing floor and in the warehouse to support team members, solve problems, remove obstacles, and drive continuous improvement,
• Contribute to the overall success of the procurement team by co-elevating  with all team members through collaboration, cooperation, and camaraderie,
• Perform additional responsibilities and tasks as assigned to support organizational and team goals.
  

Qualifications/Skills:

Netsuite ERP experience a plus, buying experience, supply chain management, MS Office or G Suite familiarity, aptitude for learning new things quickly, high level of attention to detail, good problem solver, solid data entry practices, strong communication skills, active listener, juggler of many tasks simultaneously well, patient, emotionally intelligent, and strong relationship builder.

Education and Experience: 

• 6+ years of supply chain experience a plus
• 6+ years of manufacturing inventory management a plus
• Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree a plus
• Experience partnering with vendors/suppliers
• Proven track record of working in a fast-paced, high-stress position that requires high levels of attention to detail
  

Scorecard: 

• Competencies: Procurement and Supply Chain Expertise, Analytical Skills, Attention to Detail, Servant Leader, Negotiation Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Time Management, Organizational Skills, Adaptability, Market & Industry Awareness, Team Collaboration, Commitment to Quality & Ethics, and Strategic Thinking
• Position Mission: The mission of the Purchasing Manager is to ensure the seamless procurement of high-quality materials and supplies necessary for production by fostering strong vendor relationships and optimizing purchasing processes. By aligning procurement strategies with production goals, this role supports the timely delivery of exceptional products while maintaining cost efficiency and supply chain resilience.
• Anticipated Outcome: Maintain a reliable, cost-effective supply chain that ensures the timely availability of high-quality materials to support uninterrupted production and uphold Storyteller Overland’s standards of excellence.

Physical Requirements: 

Candidates should be prepared for the following:

• Sitting: The majority of the workday will be spent sitting at a desk, using a computer, and performing tasks that require sustained attention and focus.
• Light Lifting: Occasionally, employees may need to lift and carry boxes or office supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Reaching and Stretching: There may be instances where reaching or stretching is required to access files, office equipment, or supplies.
• Visual and Mental Concentration: The position may require employees to read documents, analyze data, and perform tasks that demand a high level of visual and mental concentration.
• Repetitive Tasks: Some tasks may involve repetitive motions, such as filing, scanning, or using office equipment, which may require attention to ergonomics and comfort.
• Ability to Sit and Stand for Meetings: Meetings or discussions may require employees to sit or stand for varying periods.

It's important to note that this job primarily involves office-based work, and the physical demands are generally minimal. Accommodations will be provided as needed to ensure the comfort and well-being of employees in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Exemption Status: Exempt