Our customer is searching for a Purchasing Manager! This is a full time opportunity with company benefits.
Position Summary
This role ensures the timely and cost-effective acquisition of raw materials, components, packaging, maintenance supplies, and services necessary to support production operations. The Purchasing Manager develops supplier relationships, negotiates contracts, manages inventory levels, and collaborates closely with Operations, Production, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to maintain uninterrupted manufacturing operations while controlling costs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Procurement & Supplier Management
Manage the purchasing of raw materials, filtration media, resins, fiberglass, plastics, packaging materials, hardware, and production consumables.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
Solicit quotations, evaluate bids, negotiate pricing, terms, and supply agreements.
Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
Identify and qualify alternative suppliers to mitigate supply chain risks.
Inventory & Planning
Partner with Operations and Production teams to forecast material requirements based on sales demand and production schedules.
Maintain appropriate inventory levels to support customer demand while minimizing excess inventory and carrying costs.
Monitor inventory trends and recommend adjustments to purchasing strategies.
Analyze inventory turns, stockouts, and obsolete inventory.
Cost Management
Identify opportunities for cost reduction through supplier negotiations, process improvements, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
Lead annual pricing reviews and contract negotiations.
Track market trends affecting raw material costs and communicate impacts to leadership.
Support budgeting and forecasting activities related to procurement spending.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Customer Service teams to ensure material availability and product quality standards are met.
Support new product development initiatives through supplier sourcing and qualification.
Coordinate resolution of supplier quality issues and material shortages.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
Systems & Reporting
Maintain accurate purchasing data within the EPICOR ERP/MRP system.
Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including:
Supplier on-time delivery
Purchase price variance
Inventory turns
Stockout frequency
Supplier quality performance
Prepare reports and recommendations for senior management.
Leadership
Establish departmental goals and performance expectations.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Job Requirements
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
Experience with ERP/MRP systems required.
Experience in plastics, industrial manufacturing, or related industries preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and purchasing-related software.
Understanding of inventory management and production planning principles.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout a manufacturing facility.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to inspect inventory and materials in warehouse and production environments.