Director of Purchasing

Director Of Purchasing

The Director of Purchasing reports directly to the Vice President of Operations and is responsible for leading end-to-end purchasing strategy, supply planning, inventory optimization, and material availability to support manufacturing operations and customer demand. This role ensures optimal inventory levels, strong supplier performance, and continuity of supply while minimizing operational disruptions. The Director partners cross-functionally with Operations, Logistics, Quality, Engineering, Finance, and Sales to drive operational efficiency, cost savings, and overall supply chain performance. Strong hands-on experience with Oracle E-Business Suite is required for this role.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead all purchasing, material planning, and inventory management activities to ensure alignment with customer demand and production requirements.
• Develop and execute inventory strategies that balance service levels, working capital targets, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure material availability to support manufacturing schedules and prevent production disruptions.
• Monitor inventory health, including excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead purchasing strategy and execution for raw materials, components, and critical supplies.
• Develop supplier sourcing strategies focused on cost, quality, lead time reduction, and risk mitigation.
• Negotiate supplier contracts, pricing, and service agreements to maximize value.
• Establish supplier performance metrics and drive accountability for on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
• Proactively identify supply risks and implement contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply.
• Partner with suppliers to improve delivery performance and support supply chain regionalization initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop purchasing and planning teams to improve performance and succession readiness.
• Establish and monitor KPIs related to inventory turns, supplier performance, material shortages, and cost savings.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across purchasing and supply chain operations.
• Partner with Operations leadership to support production goals, capacity planning, and new product launches.
• Collaborate with Finance on budgeting, inventory valuation, and cost management initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procurement standards, and audit requirements.
• Optimize ERP planning and procurement processes through effective use of Oracle E-Business Suite.
• Identify opportunities for automation, reporting enhancements, and improved system efficiencies using tools such as Oracle Advanced Supply Chain Planning, Microsoft Power BI, and Microsoft Excel.
• Oversee master data management and ensure data accuracy across purchasing systems.

Specific Knowledge, Skills or Abilities Required:

• Strong knowledge of purchasing, procurement, supply planning, inventory management, and forecasting principles.
• Advanced understanding of MRP/ERP systems and supply chain optimization tools.
• Required hands-on experience with Oracle E-Business Suite.
• Strong supplier negotiation and contract management skills.
• Knowledge of supplier risk management and contingency planning.
• Strong financial acumen related to budgeting, cost savings, and inventory valuation.
• Ability to analyze complex operational challenges and develop strategic solutions.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Position Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field required.
• MBA or Master's degree preferred.
• ASCM certifications such as CPIM or CSCP preferred.

Experience:

• 8+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, supply chain, procurement, planning, or inventory management roles.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing purchasing and/or planning teams.
• Experience in manufacturing, automotive, consumer products, or other complex supply chain environments.
• Experience leading supplier negotiations and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Experience supporting global supply chains preferred.
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

Disclaimer: This list does not represent all physical demands. Descriptions are representative of those that must be met by employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the jobs' essential functions.

Note:

FOX provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, results of genetic testing, or service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by the laws or regulations of any jurisdiction in which we operate. We base all employment decisions –including recruitment, selection, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, promotions, transfers, layoffs, terminations and social/recreational programs – on merit and the principles of equal employment opportunity.

Fox offers an excellent compensation package and wide-ranging opportunities for professional development. Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Spending and Dependent Care Savings Accounts, Disability and Life Insurance benefit programs are available, as is a 401k plan with employer matching. Eligibility for all benefit programs is defined by the applicable plan document or employee handbook.