Head of Procurement & Supply Chain Management (m/f/d)

Kennedy Valve- Purchasing ManagerKennedy 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 UpEnvironment: Protect Our Communities – Keep It CleanLeadership: I am Always On Stage – First Manage My Own Words & BehaviorsAccountability: Lead Myself Well – Own It, Correct It, Learn From It, Move OnExcellence: Always Working To Be Better – Value & Add ValueTrust: The Speed Of Trust – Build, Don't BreakTeamwork: Help Each Other Be Great – Win TogetherCommunication: Clear, Candid, & Constructive – Right Words, Right Time, Right WayWHY 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-$132,260Paid Vacation12 Paid Holidays and Paid Sick LeaveRetirement: 401(k) & Roth IRA company match optionsEducational Reimbursement after one year of serviceEmployer-paid life insurance with the option to supplementComprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental plan optionsJob DescriptionThe 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. 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.Procurement & Supply ManagementDevelop 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 ManagementBuild and maintain strong supplier partnerships.Conduct supplier performance reviews and implement corrective actions when necessary.Identify and develop alternate suppliers to reduce risk and improve competitiveness.Support supplier quality initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.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 CollaborationWork 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 & ReportingEnsure 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 DeliveryCost SavingsPPV (Purchase Price Variance)Inventory TurnsSupplier Quality PerformanceLead Time ReductionQualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field requiredProfessional certification (APICS/ASCM, CPSM, CPM,) preferredExperienceMinimum of 5 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.ERP/MRP system experience preferred (AX 2012 R3/D365, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.)Required SkillsStrong negotiation and contract management skills.Knowledge of manufacturing processes and supply chain operations.Proficient with all Microsoft Office products.Understanding of inventory management, forecasting, and production planning.Willingness to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and always follow all safety rules and proceduresAdditional InformationWORK ENVIRONMENT:walking throughout the facility as needed.Work time is spent primarily in an office setting.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.