Procurement Manager

Procurement Manager – Chicago, Illinois

Position Overview

The Procurement Manager will lead sourcing and purchasing activities for structural steel, hoists, controls, rigging equipment, and related components used in the design, fabrication, and servicing of overhead and mobile cranes. This role is responsible for negotiating supplier contracts, ensuring on-time material availability, and maintaining cost competitiveness while upholding safety, compliance, and quality standards critical to the heavy lifting industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies for critical categories including structural steel, hoists, motors, electrical/control systems, rigging hardware, and fabrication services.

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships with domestic and international vendors to ensure reliable supply and competitive pricing, with an emphasis on developing or deepening key vendor relationships that can be leveraged across the country.

• Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers for favorable terms on pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms and quality.

• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and project management teams to forecast demand and align purchasing with project timelines.

• Ensure all procured materials meet industry standards (ASME, OSHA, CMAA) and company quality requirements.

• Monitor vendor performance, including on-time delivery, product quality, and compliance with safety certifications.

• Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers, reduce costs, and streamline the supply chain.

• Manage inventory levels of high-turnover parts while minimizing excess and obsolete stock.

• Implement inventory tracking system in NetSuite and work in tandem with operations to ensure appropriate monitoring occurs within field service management platform

• Oversee the procurement process from requisition through delivery, including ERP system management and accurate reporting.

• Prepare and deliver reports on cost savings, spend analysis, and supplier performance metrics.

• Leverage technology and AI tools to improve supply chain visibility and procurement process, including leveraging digital supply chain networks and other areas that could provide immediate the business with immediate cost savings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master’s or professional certification such as CPSM a plus).

• 5+ years of procurement experience, preferably in industrial equipment, heavy manufacturing, or construction.

• Familiarity with sourcing steel, electrical components, and mechanical equipment used in overhead cranes or similar industries.

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills with proven ability to drive cost savings.

• Proficiency with ERP/procurement system (NetSuite or similar).

• Solid understanding of OSHA, ASME, and CMAA standards relevant to crane manufacturing and operation.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering, operations, and finance teams.

Competencies

• Results-driven with a focus on cost control, quality, and delivery performance.

• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

• Leadership skills with the ability to work well within a team.