Kennedy Valve- Purchasing Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

Kennedy Valve, a member of the McWane family of companies, is a gray and ductile iron foundry and computerized machining and assembly company. We have been an active community partner in Elmira, New York, for over 125 years.

People providing peace of mind water solutions.

To save lives, resources, and property by supplying the best waterworks and fire protection products in the world.

Our culture is important to us and forms the foundation for everything we do. Successful Team Members will embrace and perform in accordance with our following core values:

Safety : People First – Step Up

Environment : Protect Our Communities – Keep It Clean

Leadership : I am Always On Stage – First Manage My Own Words & Behaviors

Accountability : Lead Myself Well – Own It, Correct It, Learn From It, Move On

Excellence : Always Working To Be Better – Value & Add Value

Trust : The Speed Of Trust – Build, Don’t Break

Teamwork : Help Each Other Be Great – Win Together

Communication : Clear, Candid, & Constructive – Right Words, Right Time, Right Way

WHY KENNEDY VALVE?

Kennedy Valve offers great wages and robust benefits packages, as well as stability and a strong sense of Team!

• Highly Competitive Salary $107,067-$132,260
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays and Paid Sick Leave
• Retirement: 401(k) & Roth IRA company match options
• Educational Reimbursement after one year of service
• Employer-paid life insurance with the option to supplement
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental plan options

 

 

Job Description

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies and policies for cost optimization and enhancing supply chain efficiency. A primary focus will be required in identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers based on quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Negotiating contracts and terms with suppliers to ensure favorable pricing, payment terms, and mutually beneficial agreements. The collaboration with internal stakeholders to understand their requirements and align procurement activities with organizational goals. The role will also be required to conduct market research and analysis to stay updated on industry trends, supplier capabilities, and pricing fluctuations. Monitor inventory levels, analyze demand patterns, and implement inventory strategies to manage stock levels and avoid shortages or excess.

 

The primary focus of the Purchasing Manager will be to work to improve the purchasing system and process, maintain the supplier database, purchasing records, and related documentation. Coordinate inventory control to determine and manage inventory needs, manage daily purchasing activities, supervise staff, and develop and implement purchasing strategies for the betterment of the company.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Procurement & Supply Management

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with company goals and production requirements.
• Source, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, capacity, and service performance.
• Manage procurement of direct materials, indirect materials, MRO supplies, capital equipment, and services.
• Ensure uninterrupted material availability to support production schedules and customer commitments.

 

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Lead supplier negotiations for pricing, payment terms, contracts, and service agreements.
• Identify and develop alternate suppliers to reduce risk and improve competitiveness.
• Support supplier quality initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

 

Cost Management

• Drive cost savings and productivity improvements through strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Analyze market trends, commodity pricing, and supply chain risks.
• Develop annual cost-reduction plans and track savings performance.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes related to procurement activities.

 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Finance departments.
• Support new product introductions by sourcing materials and suppliers.
• Participate in inventory management and S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) processes.
• Resolve supply chain disruptions and escalate critical issues as required.

 

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier documentation.
• Develop and report procurement KPIs, including:
• Supplier On-Time Delivery
• Cost Savings
• PPV (Purchase Price Variance)
• Inventory Turns
• Supplier Quality Performance
• Lead Time Reduction
• ​​​​​​​

 

 

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field required
• Professional certification (APICS/ASCM, CPSM, CPM,) preferred

 

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• ERP/MRP system experience preferred (AX 2012 R3/D365, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.)

 

Required Skills

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and supply chain operations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient with all Microsoft Office products.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Understanding of inventory management, forecasting, and production planning.
• Willingness to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and always follow all safety rules and procedures

Additional Information

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Standing or sitting at a desk for long periods of time; walking throughout the facility as needed.
• Occasionally exposed to elements, such as cold, heat, noise, dust, odors, fumes, etc.
• Work time is spent primarily in an office setting.

 

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

 

Kennedy Valve Co. is an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and reserve the right to perform substance abuse testing. McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA - gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.