Purchasing Director

Position Purpose

A strategic executive role responsible for leading the global procurement, materials planning, and inventory control functions across a multi-site manufacturing enterprise. This leader will drive transformation through technology-enabled process improvements, build a world-class team, and ensure supply chain resilience, cost efficiency, and operational excellence.

This position is pivotal in shaping the future of the company's supply chain. The successful candidate will not only ensure operational continuity and cost-effectiveness but also lead the charge in transforming the organization's approach to materials and procurement through innovation and leadership.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a forward-looking global purchasing and materials strategy aligned with corporate growth objectives.
• Lead enterprise-wide initiatives to modernize procurement and materials systems using digital tools, AI and automation.
• Champion change management efforts to embed a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement across the supply chain.
• Lead and monitor the supplier bidding process, including evaluation and selection of suppliers.
• Negotiate and administer long-term agreements with strategic suppliers, ensuring alignment with business continuity and innovation goals.
• Oversee make vs. buy decisions to optimize cost, quality, and capacity utilization.
• Develop Annual Operating Plan (AOP) targets for the department, aligned with divisional and corporate goals.

Team Development

• Build and mentor a high-performing team of supply chain professionals, fostering cross-functional collaboration and accountability.
• Implement talent development programs and succession planning to ensure leadership continuity and capability growth.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee strategic sourcing, supplier qualification, contract negotiation, and performance monitoring across global operations.
• Create and maintain planning systems to optimize inventory levels and material flow.
• Actively engage in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to align supply and demand and improve working capital efficiency.

• Drive ERP and MRP system enhancements to support real-time visibility and decision-making.
• Standardize purchasing and materials management practices across all manufacturing sites.
• Forecast and drive long-term cost reduction and cost avoidance objectives, including capital expenditure justification and labor optimization.
• Collaborate with logistics teams and third-party partners to ensure efficient transportation, warehousing, and distribution.

Product Development & Quality Assurance

• Support new product development initiatives by aligning procurement and materials strategies with engineering and product teams.
• Oversee the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process for new products and suppliers, ensuring defect prevention and continuous improvement.

• Implement strategies to mitigate excess and obsolete inventory, improving working capital and responsiveness.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Lead organizational trade compliance efforts, including reporting and adherence to Section 232 and other regulatory frameworks.
• Conduct supplier risk analysis and maintain conflict minerals reporting in line with statutory requirements.

Education and Training

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or equivalent; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in management within large-scale manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record in leading enterprise-wide transformation initiatives and implementing digital technologies.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to translate supply chain strategies into EBITDA growth and cost savings.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in a purchasing environment for a multi-site manufacturing company.
• 5 years of managerial experience.
• Experience in engineering, operations, and/or materials management a plus.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills.
• C.P.M. designation a plus.

Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting, work at computer for extended periods of time.

Environmental Conditions

• Office setting
• Minimal exposure to R&D lab and manufacturing setting.

Behavioral Traits

• High standards of integrity.
• High energy level and strong self-motivation.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills and subordinate development skills.

• This is not a comprehensive list of duties. Duties may change without notice in management's sole discretion.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Req Benefits: We offer a full complement of benefits that include medical, dental, and vision insurance; life, travel, and disability insurance; a flexible spending account; 401K plans; a pension plan; paid holidays and vacation. We also offer financial assistance programs if you decide to adopt a child or want to pursue further education. We have a comprehensive wellness program and an Employee Assistance Program, that supports individuals in the proactive management of their overall health and wellness.