Purchasing Manager

Detroit, United States

Purchasing Manager

Position Summary

The Purchasing Manager plays a strategic role in managing company-wide procurement activities to ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable supply of goods and services. This position leads sourcing strategies, vendor management, contract negotiations, and performance monitoring. The role requires a balance of tactical execution and strategic oversight, using ERP and WMS data to drive measurable results in cost control, supplier performance, inventory optimization, and compliance.

Essential Functions

Develop and execute sourcing strategies that optimize supplier performance, cost, quality, delivery, and sustainability.
Negotiate and manage vendor contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
Lead supplier performance reviews and implement corrective actions where needed.
Utilize ERP/WMS systems (CloudSuite, TWL) to track and analyze purchasing data, inventory turns, and demand forecasts.
Maintain strong vendor relationships while cultivating new supplier partnerships to reduce risk and support business growth.
Review and approve purchase requisitions and purchase orders; resolve invoice discrepancies in coordination with Accounts Payable.
Monitor inventory turns, fill rate, and backorder reports to ensure product availability and financial efficiency.
Collaborate with Sales, Operations, and Finance to align purchasing strategies with organizational goals.
Develop dashboards and KPI reports for executive leadership on purchasing performance and cost savings.
Support company ESG goals by identifying and onboarding sustainable and diverse suppliers.
Drive continuous improvement, automation, and cost-saving initiatives within the purchasing function.
Supervise purchasing team staff, providing leadership, training, and development.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proven ability to interpret KPIs and implement process improvements.
Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation and supplier relationship management.
Proficiency in ERP (CloudSuite), WMS (TWL), and advanced Excel/analytics.
Strong leadership, decision-making, organizational, and communication skills.
Results-driven with a track record of delivering cost savings and improving supplier performance.
Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence outcomes at all organizational levels.
Knowledge of procurement compliance, vendor diversity, and sustainability practices.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, or related field required; Master’s degree or professional certification (CPSM, CSCP) preferred.
7-10 years of procurement experience in a distribution, manufacturing, or energy-related industry.
5+ years of supervisory experience leading purchasing teams.
Demonstrated success in cost management, supplier development, and KPI-driven procurement strategies.

Travel

Ability to travel up to 10% of the time to suppliers, vendors, and company locations.

Similar jobs