Purchasing Manager

We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead purchasing, sourcing, vendor management, and commercial negotiations across our organization. This is a newly created role with significant responsibility and visibility. The Purchasing Manager will own the day-to-day execution of our purchasing function—from sourcing and quote evaluation through vendor negotiation, contracting, purchase orders, delivery follow-up, equipment transactions, and supplier program management. Negotiation is at the heart of this position. The ideal candidate has a demonstrated track record of negotiating high-dollar supplier commitments, improving commercial terms, and building strong vendor relationships while protecting the company's financial interests. This role works closely with Finance, Legal, IT, Facilities, Operations, Production, and our Pontiac, Oxford, and Flat Rock garages to ensure we are making smart, timely, and well-supported purchasing decisions. Purchasing & Procurement Operations Manage day-to-day purchasing activities across multiple locations and business functions. Create and manage purchase orders, obtain and compare vendor quotes, and follow up on deliveries. Maintain purchasing procedures, PO tracking, vendor records, and documentation standards. Manage vendor communications and assist with invoice matching and resolution. Execute technology purchases in partnership with IT. Execute building, facility, and operational purchases in partnership with Facilities. Lead negotiations with vendors and suppliers at all levels, including major and strategic suppliers. Negotiate pricing, payment terms, service levels, warranties, delivery requirements, and other commercial terms. Work within established purchasing policies, pricing targets, and approval requirements. Review and administer commercial agreements and serve as the day-to-day purchasing contact throughout the contract process. Partner with Legal on contract drafting, redlines, and negotiation support. Coordinate telecom and Verizon purchasing and negotiations in partnership with IT. Support Finance in supplier partnerships, buying alliances, and strategic pricing programs. Administer the company's preferred vendor program and purchasing platform. Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while holding vendors accountable to agreed-upon pricing, service, and performance expectations. Track supplier rebates and ensure the company receives available program benefits. Conduct supplier performance reviews and identify opportunities for improvement. Manage the day-to-day administration of the company's fuel program, including WEX. Equipment & Fleet Source and execute purchases and resales of equipment, yellow iron, trucks, and trailers. Work with Finance and Facilities on equipment purchasing decisions and required approvals. Source equipment rentals and manage relationships with fleet and rental vendors. Review equipment utilization and provide recommendations regarding whether equipment should be buy, rent, or dispose. Support the organization in identifying market opportunities for equipment acquisition and resale. What We're Looking For Required Qualifications Demonstrated success negotiating high-dollar vendor or supplier commitments. This is the primary qualification for the role. 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or category management. Direct experience negotiating commercial contracts and supplier agreements. Strong understanding of purchasing workflows, competitive quoting, purchase orders, and supplier performance management. Ability to read, understand, and administer commercial contracts and collaborate effectively with Legal. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a high volume of concurrent purchasing activities. Strong communication, follow-through, and relationship-management skills. Ability to balance cost, quality, timing, service, and business requirements when making purchasing decisions. Preferred Qualifications Experience in construction, contracting, heavy equipment, transportation, or a related industry. Familiarity with equipment, truck, and trailer acquisition and resale markets. Experience managing fuel card programs, supplier rebate programs, or purchasing/buying alliances. Experience with HeavyJob, HeavyBid, Motive, or comparable construction and operations systems. Experience working across multiple locations or business units. What Success Looks Like In this role, success means building a purchasing function that is organized, commercially disciplined, responsive, and trusted by the business. You’ll be successful when: Vendors know you as a knowledgeable and effective negotiator. The company consistently receives competitive pricing and favorable commercial terms. Purchasing requests move efficiently from quote through PO, delivery, and invoice resolution. Contracts are organized, properly reviewed, and executed through the appropriate process. Preferred vendor and rebate programs are actively managed and delivering value. Equipment and fleet purchasing decisions are supported by sound commercial analysis. Internal teams know where to go for purchasing support and receive timely follow-through. Supplier performance issues are identified and addressed before they become larger problems. Key Relationships This position works closely with: VP of Finance — purchasing strategy, policies, approval requirements, commercial targets, and major purchasing decisions. Legal — contract review, redlines, drafting support, and contract negotiations. IT Director and IT Manager — technology and telecom requirements, with Purchasing responsible for execution and commercial negotiations. Facilities Leader — facility purchasing, equipment rentals, fleet vendors, and related operational needs. Asset Administration — equipment acquisition and disposal documentation, titles, registrations, and asset records. Production — materials, equipment, and service needs for active jobs, with Purchasing responsible for sourcing, timely delivery, and vendor follow-through. Garages (Pontiac, Oxford, and Flat Rock) parts, repairs, fleet maintenance, and service vendors, with Purchasing supporting sourcing, pricing, and delivery follow-up at each location. Why This Role Matters This role has a direct impact on how effectively the company manages one of its largest areas of ongoing operational spending. We are looking for someone who doesn't simply process purchase orders. We want a commercially minded purchasing professional who knows how to negotiate, knows how to manage vendors, and knows how to turn purchasing activity into measurable value for the business. If you are an experienced negotiator who enjoys working in a fast-paced, operational environment and wants meaningful ownership over purchasing and supplier relationships, we'd like to hear from you. Garages (Pontiac, Oxford, and Flat Rock) parts, repairs, fleet maintenance, and service vendors, with Purchasing supporting sourcing, pricing, and delivery follow-up at each location. 401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Experience: Negotiation: 5 years (Required) Construction/Fleet Negotiation: 5 years (Required) #J-18808-Ljbffr ASI | TKMS | Lou's