Purchasing Manager

Purchasing ManagerThe Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the organization's procurement strategy while overseeing day-to-day purchasing activities that support uninterrupted manufacturing operations. This role ensures the timely procurement of direct and indirect materials, manages supplier relationships, negotiates favorable commercial agreements, and drives continuous improvement across the procurement function. Acting as a strategic business partner to Manufacturing, Planning, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Operations, the Purchasing Manager balances cost, quality, delivery, inventory, and supplier performance. The position requires an experienced procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, combines strategic vision with a hands-on approach, and demonstrates strong leadership, negotiation, analytical thinking, and a continuous improvement mindset.Responsibilities:Develop and execute procurement strategies that align with company objectives, operational requirements, and financial goals.Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for direct materials, indirect materials, MRO, services, and capital equipment.Identify and implement opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership while maintaining quality, service, and supplier performance.Build and maintain long-term supplier partnerships that support business growth, innovation, and operational excellence.Continuously evaluate market conditions, pricing trends, commodity fluctuations, and supply chain risks to inform procurement decisions.Lead supplier identification, qualification, selection, negotiations, and contract administration.Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, service agreements, and commercial contracts to achieve favorable outcomes.Develop supplier scorecards and establish key performance indicators related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost.Conduct regular supplier business reviews and implement corrective action plans when performance issues arise.Resolve supplier shortages, delivery delays, quality concerns, and capacity constraints while minimizing operational disruption.Collaborate with suppliers on continuous improvement initiatives and cost reduction opportunities.Oversee daily purchasing activities to ensure uninterrupted production and on-time customer delivery.Review and approve purchase requisitions and purchase orders in accordance with company policies.Manage MRO purchasing activities and ensure timely availability of operational supplies and spare parts.Monitor inventory levels with Planning and Operations to optimize inventory investment and prevent stockouts.Analyze aging inventory and implement strategies to reduce excess and obsolete stock.Monitor procurement and logistics expenditures to ensure alignment with budgets and financial objectives.Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, pricing, and supplier documentation.Lead, mentor, coach, and develop procurement team members to maximize individual and departmental performance.Establish clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and development plans for the procurement team.Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer service within the procurement organization.Support succession planning and professional development initiatives for procurement staff.Promote cross-training and knowledge sharing among team members to build a resilient and flexible team.Partner with Engineering on new product introductions and supplier sourcing to support design and innovation.Collaborate with Manufacturing and Planning to support production schedules, material availability, and inventory strategies.Work closely with Quality Assurance to resolve supplier quality issues, warranty claims, supplier corrective actions, and reimbursement opportunities.Partner with Finance to support budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and financial reporting related to procurement activities.Support company initiatives involving lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.Develop and maintain procurement dashboards and performance metrics to monitor and improve results.Analyze purchasing trends, supplier performance, inventory levels, and spend data to support strategic decision-making.Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership that summarize procurement performance and key initiatives.Utilize ERP/MRP systems and procurement software to improve visibility, reporting accuracy, and process efficiency.Identify opportunities to streamline procurement processes through automation, standardization, and best practices.Improve procurement workflows to reduce manual effort and increase efficiency across the function.Drive Lean and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the procurement organization.Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, internal controls, and ethical sourcing practices.Perform other duties and strategic initiatives as assigned that contribute to the overall success of the procurement and supply chain organization.Essential Skills:10–15 years of progressive procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.Minimum of 5 years leading procurement or purchasing teams.Proven experience with strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, supplier development, and inventory management.Demonstrated experience supporting manufacturing operations with direct and indirect material purchasing.Experience in the manufacturing industry, particularly associated equipment manufacturing such as engineered lifting equipment or utility equipment manufacturing.Experience working with international suppliers, including support for Italian, German, and LATAM imports.Current and valid passport, with the ability to travel domestically and internationally, including periodic visits to overseas sites.Ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 25% of the time, including about one week per month during the initial months.Expert negotiation skills and strong supplier relationship management capabilities.Strong understanding of procurement principles, strategic sourcing methodologies, and contract management.Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving abilities.Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and remain grounded and hands-on in daily operations.Strong business acumen and sound decision-making skills.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders across multiple departments.Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles (preferred).Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer and participating in meetings.Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to operate computers, keyboards, telephones, and office equipment.Ability to frequently communicate verbally and in writing with employees, suppliers, and customers.Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach.Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds.Ability to travel throughout office, warehouse, and manufacturing environments to support procurement activities.Ability to occasionally visit production areas requiring appropriate personal protective equipment.Ability to occasionally travel domestically or internationally to supplier facilities, trade shows, company locations, or customer sites.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Demonstrated strategic thinking, with the ability to develop and execute long-term procurement strategies.Strong business acumen, with an understanding of how procurement decisions impact financial performance and operations.Proven leadership and team development skills, including the ability to lead, coach, and develop team members while promoting accountability.Strength in negotiation and relationship management, building trust-based partnerships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.Results-driven mindset with a focus on achieving measurable improvements in cost, quality, delivery, and supplier performance.Experience with international travel and exposure to global supply chains and cross-cultural business environments.Comfort working closely with engineering, inventory, sales, and other functional teams on the manufacturing floor.Alignment with a corporate philosophy that emphasizes creation, contribution, and cooperation, and a commitment to operating in harmony with society and the environment.Interest in contributing to the development of local and international communities and supporting environmentally responsible business practices.Commitment to continuous learning and professional development within the procurement and supply chain field.Work Environment:This is an in-office leadership role where the Purchasing Manager will have a dedicated office while spending significant time on the manufacturing floor collaborating with engineering, inventory, sales, quality, and operations teams. The environment includes office, warehouse, and production areas, requiring regular movement between these spaces to support procurement activities and ensure material availability. The role involves frequent computer and office equipment use, participation in meetings, and written and verbal communication with internal stakeholders and suppliers. Occasional visits to production areas require appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with safety standards. The position includes domestic and occasional international travel to supplier facilities, trade shows, company locations, and customer sites, with travel expected to be up to approximately 25%, particularly during the first six months. The organization promotes a culture grounded in creation, contribution, and cooperation, emphasizing harmony with society and people, support for local and international community