Purchasing Manager

Key Results Areas:

• Determine the appropriate method to process purchase requisitions based on total cost, timeliness, competitive bidding, and existing demand.
• Maintain a diverse list of vendors for all current inventory.
• Collaborate daily with peers, including Operations, Customer Support, Inventory, and Product teams, to address issues and identify opportunities.
• Identify and present opportunities for strategic purchasing.
• Lead and manage the buying team to deliver measurable results.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Other duties may be assigned) Responsible for all aspects of the company's procurement. This includes overseeing a team of 3-4 Buyers, who are tasked with:

• Creating daily inventory purchases based on demand to prevent backorders.
• Maintaining and adjusting lead times with suppliers to ensure timely replenishment stock.
• Researching and evaluating suppliers for quality, price, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, and reputation.
• Setting up new part numbers and vendor details in the WMS.
• Contributing to product meetings.
• Responding to changing product supply conditions, commodity pricing trends, and market fluctuations.
• Negotiating advantageous terms with suppliers and vendors.
• Resolving pricing discrepancies, receipt issues, and other supplier-related variances.
• Communicating effectively with suppliers and resolving challenges.
• Persuading stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and creating positive agreements during negotiations.
• Running weekly reports to track progress and identify future challenges proactively.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience managing a buying team or purchasing department.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in purchasing and sourcing.
• Preferably 5+ years of experience in buying MRO products.
• Proven success in negotiating costs with vendors.
• Hands-on experience with an MRP/WMS system.

Required Skills:

• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Procurement certifications preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Proficiency in ERP and inventory management software.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and high interpersonal proficiency to manage sensitive and confidential situations.
• Prior experience handling blanket purchase orders.