Purchasing Manager

Job Summary:
The Purchasing Manager is a technical lead in the Purchasing Department, responsible for overseeing procurement activities related to day-to-day vendor management, operational issue resolution, and cross-functional support. This role ensures efficient handling of vendor communication, purchasing discrepancies, receiving issues, and vendor performance management. The position also supports and trains buyers on best practices in buying, forecasting, and vendor relations to meet operational and strategic goals. The Purchasing Manager works closely with Category Managers to support and execute strategic plans aligned with broader procurement and organizational objectives.

Essential Responsibilities/Activities:

• Manage the procurement team responsible for handling purchasing operations and vendor communication.
• Collaborate closely with Category Managers to support and execute strategic sourcing and procurement plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and cost-saving initiatives.
• Manage AP-related discrepancies and ensure timely resolution for vendor payments.
• Address and resolve part shortages to maintain continuity of production.
• Act as the primary day-to-day contact for vendors to manage expectations, resolve issues, and maintain relationships.
• Facilitate and support employee relations within the purchasing team, promoting a positive and productive environment.
• Develop and maintain vendor scorecards and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor vendor performance.
• Assist and train buyers in negotiation techniques, demand forecasting, and vendor engagement strategies.
• Oversee and resolve receiving issues, including coordinating with warehouse teams to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage Return Material Authorizations (RMAs) to ensure proper handling and resolution.
• Conduct vendor audits to evaluate compliance with performance, quality, and delivery standards.
• Ensure the fulfillment of purchasing obligations outlined in company contracts.
• Investigate and resolve complaints related to product quality or delivery issues.
• Continuously evaluate purchasing strategies to enhance cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and quality.
• Prepare and present reports on purchasing activities, vendor performance, and inventory status.

Educational, Experience, and Travel Requirements:

Degree(s):  Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Management, or Materials-related field and/or a minimum of five years’ experience in the Buyer role.

Experience:  None

Certification(s): None

Travel: Less than 10% of working days per year

Essential Mental Functions:

• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent multitasking and organizational capabilities
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong training, negotiation, and forecasting skills
• Familiarity with custom build/manufacturing environments

Competencies:

• Effective Leadership
• Detail-Oriented
• Highly Motivated
• Flexibility
• Personal Accountability
• Collaboration
• Time Management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Decisiveness
• ERP/MRP Proficiency

Essential Physical Functions:

• Lift up to 50lbs.
• Sit or stand for up to 95 percent of work hours.
• Periodic visits to the manufacturing facility with seasonal hot and cold temperatures, dust, and some chemical fume exposure.

Disclaimer:

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 a time with or without notice. This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the

employee may be required to perform additional functions. The company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.  The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.