Manager - Purchasing

Position Summary

The Purchasing Manager will be an experienced and detail-oriented individual who will oversee procurement, logistics planning, and team management for our greenhouse operation. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring the timely acquisition of high-quality materials, supplies, and services essential to the efficient functioning of our greenhouse, while fostering a high-performing hybrid team and meeting budgetary constraints. Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage a diverse and distributed team are crucial to this role.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position will lead and manage a high-performing hybrid team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering a collaborative culture. They will also provide clear direction, set measurable objectives, and monitor team performance against key metrics while also facilitating effective communication and engagement across on-site and remote team members. Finally, they will offer professional development opportunities to enhance team skills and expertise.

Job Description

• Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with suppliers for live goods plant inputs including seeds, cuttings, bulbs, etc.
  • Negotiate contracts, prices, and terms with suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality.
  • Ensure compliance with all company policies and relevant regulations, including sustainability and ethical sourcing standards.
  • Develop and maintain an approved supplier list based on performance, quality, and reliability metrics.
  • Monitor stock levels and forecast future needs to avoid overstocking or shortages.
  • Develop and implement inventory management strategies to optimize use of space and resources.
  • Coordinate with greenhouse staff and production managers to ensure materials are available when needed.
  • Prepare and manage the purchasing department's budget, ensuring adherence to financial objectives.
  • Track spending and identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality.
  • Analyze market trends to make informed purchasing decisions.
  • Work closely with greenhouse operations staff, horticulture teams, and logistics teams to align procurement with production schedules and logistics planning.
  • Provide regular updates to management on procurement performance, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Foster collaborative relationships across departments to ensure seamless greenhouse operations.
  • Develop and implement logistics strategies to ensure the efficient transportation and delivery of greenhouse supplies and materials.
  • Coordinate with suppliers and transport services to ensure timely delivery of goods.
  • Monitor and optimize transportation costs while maintaining high service standards.
  • Track and analyze logistics performance to identify areas for improvement.
  • Assess and mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions, logistics challenges, price fluctuations, and quality issues.
  • Develop contingency plans to minimize the impact of supplier delays or shortages.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Agriculture, a related field or equivalent.
• 5 years’ experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management of perishables, preferably within the agricultural or greenhouse industry
• Proven experience in managing hybrid or distributed teams and fostering collaboration in a dynamic environment.
• Proven experience in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, manage, and develop a high-performing team.
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• CPIM or CSCP or other professional certification is a plus

Job Setting & Physical Demands

The Purchasing Manager will work in a dynamic environment that combines office-based responsibilities with occasional visits to greenhouse sites, supplier facilities, and logistics hubs. The role demands flexibility, problem-solving, and proactive decision-making to support sustainable and productive greenhouse operations. Strong leadership skills are essential for managing a distributed team effectively.

Disclaimer

This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of people assigned to this position. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. All employees may be required to perform activities outside of their normal job responsibilities from time to time as needed.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects individuals from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information.