Senior Purchaser

Ann Arbor, MI | Full-Time | In-Office

As a Senior Purchaser, you will play a key strategic role in managing procurement operations, optimizing supplier relationships, and driving cost-effective sourcing decisions that support company goals. You’ll lead purchasing initiatives, oversee critical supply chain functions, and collaborate across departments to ensure materials and components are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification. This role is ideal for a results-driven professional with strong negotiation skills, analytical insight, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead sourcing and supplier evaluation activities, conducting market research, cost analyses, and performance reviews to ensure quality, reliability, and value.
• Negotiate supplier agreements, terms, and pricing to secure optimal cost savings and long-term partnerships.
• Oversee preparation and processing of purchase orders, ensuring alignment with specifications, quantities, and delivery schedules.
• Manage inventory purchasing strategies to maintain proper stock levels, minimize shortages, and reduce excess inventory.
• Monitor open orders, proactively resolve delays, discrepancies, and supplier issues to maintain production continuity.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, and supplier databases, ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with the accounting team to resolve invoicing or payment discrepancies promptly.
• Verify and approve incoming shipments, ensuring materials meet quality and specification requirements.
• Partner with warehouse, logistics, and production teams to align purchasing activities with operational needs.
• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline purchasing workflows and enhance cost efficiency.
• Support and manage all aspects of vendor interactions.
• Support and mentor junior purchasing staff, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the team.
• Develop reports and purchasing metrics to inform decision-making and track performance against goals.
• Flexibility to work varied hours when needed to coordinate with international suppliers.
• All other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications:

• HS diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a closely related discipline is required; however, candidates with significant equivalent professional experience may also be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, and contract management.
• Proven track record of reducing costs and improving supplier performance through effective procurement strategies.
• Experience working with ERP or MRP systems for purchasing and inventory management.
• Strong understanding of inventory control principles, material planning, and lead-time management.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with production, logistics, finance, and quality assurance teams.
• Solid knowledge of procurement regulations, ethical sourcing practices, and vendor compliance standards.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, evaluate suppliers, and make sound purchasing decisions under time constraints.
• Prior experience in musical instrument, retail, or component manufacturing preferred
• Team player with a positive attitude, adaptability, and willingness to collaborate and learn from others.

Benefits Available for Full-time Team Members:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Generous PTO
• Employee Discount Program
• Pet Insurance

To learn more about Shar Music and our Company Culture check out our socials:

• Our Website: https://strings.sharmusic.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharmusic
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharmusic_/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shar_music
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharMusic_
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SharMusicTV

Shar Music is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All aspects of employment are governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation.