Purchasing Manager

Position Type: Direct Hire
Shift/Hours: 1st shift
Location: Vernon Hills, IL

Responsible for proactively managing the Purchasing team, and overseeing all day-to-day Purchasing transactions, US Customs information and reporting. Determines purchasing strategies that are in line with the Global and local business strategies to ensure timely and cost-efficient supply of all goods, components, materials, etc., requested qualities, either from company sources or third-party sources.

REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In conjunction with the purchasing team, the Purchasing Manager will perform daily, weekly and monthly purchasing tasks including but not limited to:
  • Process for generation of RFPs based upon inquiries from in-house departments and obtains and processes vendor quotations.
  • Preparation and issuance of purchase orders based upon approved purchase requisitions received from in-house departments and based on SAP MRP requisitions.
  • Establish a process to ensure that proactive actions are taken to address all SAP MRP exception reports.
  • Receipt and review of vendor order acknowledgements. Ensures that vendor order acknowledgement conforms to RWMIC purchase order, volumes, delivery time and product/service quality. Negotiates and resolves any discrepancies proactively, informing all internal stakeholders frequently.
• Participates in the make or buy decisions for components and gives recommendations.
• Proactively runs vendor analysis, constantly seeking for optimized vendor portfolio and makes recommendations for new vendors, aligns with internal key stakeholders. Performs a thorough due diligence of pre-selected vendors. Completes vendor site audits as required.
• Continuously monitors the supply base and external events to proactively address and correct potential issues and avoid any supply disruptions.
• Works closely with the Supply Chain Manager in determining Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) and contributes to weekly SIOP Meetings.
• Establishes Terms and Conditions (T&C's) for vendors and suppliers and aligns those with the Head of Finance.
• Conducts preliminary negotiations with different vendors regarding the best possible price, quality requirements, payment terms and delivery.
• Works with in-house departments for comparative vendor sourcing, if feasible.
• Responsible for definition, actualization of purchasing processes in alignment with company policies and key stakeholders.
• Manages inbound Freight-Forwarder companies, their performances and compliances with our requirements. Ensures proper alignment with colleagues from GmbH to guarantee smooth operation and transparent communication, especially in cases of urgent needs/deliveries, strives for constant optimization of service and conditions.
• Reviews supplier contracts for conformance with company policies and maintains active vendor contract files; all agreements - Master Purchase Agreements, Service Level Agreements, and other applicable agreements.
• Maintains and updates a contract matrix, which allows to have an overview of contract type, contract due dates, list of involved stakeholders with the objective to prepare in a timely manner for upcoming contract renegotiations.
• Builds and maintains professional stakeholder management/communication with vendors at all times.
• Conducts regular on-site visits at key vendors together with members from the QA/QC team.
• Works closely with materials management and quality departments to quickly resolve any discrepancies in quantity or quality received from vendors.
• Prevents and resolves vendor issues, seeks (internal and external) legal support as needed.
• Personnel management duties for the Purchasing team including but not limited to hiring, staffing, performance management, training and career development, ensures proper backup options in absence of personnel.
• Promotes and models RWMIC Core Values in all interactions and responsibilities.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Delivers highest degree of ethics in receiving and passing on vendor "incentives", following guidelines and policies of Richard Wolf.
• SAP Key User for Purchasing related processes. Develops SAP training documents and trains Buyers on SAP Purchasing related topics.
• Prepares monthly KPI's and reports on purchasing activities for the Supply Chain Manager.
• Responsible for all Purchasing department record-keeping, including the occasional destruction of records per Company policies.
• Develops, implements, and maintains Purchasing targets as well as short and long-term range budget planning. Develops and implements projects and programs to ensure efficient and accurate functioning of the Purchasing department.
• Establishes strong work relationships with Headquarters/GmbH in Germany, striving for continued business optimization, modernization, and continued digitalization.
• Aware of and complies with the RWMIC Quality Manual and regulations & requirements as they apply to this job type/position.
• Completes all planned Quality & Compliance training within the defined deadlines.
• Other duties as assigned by the Supply Chain Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. or B.A. in a related field required.
• Minimum of five years managerial experience in Purchasing is required, including experience in development purchasing strategies, as well as the operational part.
• Advanced negotiation skills with a proven track record of achieving cost savings, favorable contract terms, and successful risk mitigation.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining or enhancing strategic relationships.
• Minimum of 3 years of team leadership, with the ability to motivate, inspire, and develop a diverse team.
• Experience with the FDA and ISO 13485:2016 highly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams at all levels. Proficiency in both verbal and written English & German languages.
• Advanced PC skills (MS Office suite of products) required.
• Proficiency in SAP required.
• Experience with and understanding of multi-cultural and multi-generational differences and the ability to work within this environment is crucial for successful employment.
• The following physical demands are required:
  • Stand/Sit/Walk 8 hours per day
• All RWMIC Employees have the responsibility to themselves and the company to work safely.

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We are proud to offer a competitive pay structure along with a well-rounded benefits package designed to support our employees' career growth, health, and work-life balance. Our benefits include:

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible Work Options - Telecommuting and Flexible Schedules
• Tuition Reimbursement for Continuing Education
• Wellness Program and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

At Richard Wolf, we believe in creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply for open positions.