Purchasing Manager

The Purchase Manager leads the purchasing function and is responsible for stabilizing and scaling our manufacturing supply chain, linking international sourcing strategy with day-to-day production needs. The role owns the purchasing lifecycle end to end. That includes directing the company’s most significant supplier negotiations, overseeing international procurement and import logistics as well as domestic and local purchasing, and building a more resilient supply base. The primary business objective is continuous material cost reduction (TCO optimization) while ensuring zero production downtime due to component shortages or international logistics bottlenecks. The Purchase Manager works closely with Engineering, Finance, and Operations on standard costs, make-vs-buy decisions, and new product introduction, and is accountable for verifiable savings against budget across all purchased materials and services.

• Team Leadership & Development: Direct, mentor, and evaluate a team of 3 Buyers. Allocate workload effectively based on commodities (e.g., metals, electronics, hydraulics, logistics) and foster professional growth within the department.
• Supervise and develop the purchasing team, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Own procurement policies, approval thresholds, and documentation standards for the department.
• Global Sourcing Strategy: Identify, evaluate, and onboard international suppliers to diversify our supply chain, optimize costs, and secure high-quality direct materials.
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) & Make vs. Buy: Perform granular land-cost modeling and "Make vs. Buy" analyses (e.g., determining whether machine components in-house vs. source injection-molded parts globally). Lead negotiations for direct and indirect materials, capital expenditures, and services, securing the lowest total cost of ownership.
• End-to-End Import Logistics: Oversee international freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and multi-modal transportation (ocean, air, rail, road).
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to international trade laws, customs regulations, and import/export documentation requirements (including Commercial Invoices, Bills of Lading, Certificates of Origin, and HS Tariff Classifications).
• Incoterms & Contract Negotiation: Establish clear risk and cost boundaries by negotiating international contracts utilizing the correct Incoterms (e.g., FOB, CIF, DDP).
• Production Continuity & JIT: Synchronize international transit lead times with local Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing schedules to prevent production downtime.
• Industrial Capital Component Procurement: Partner with engineering to qualify global suppliers for precision hydraulic power units, heavy-duty electric motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), high-pressure water pumps, and electronic control panels (PLCs).
• Vendor & Broker Performance: Manage relationships and negotiate SLAs with international suppliers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers, auditing their performance regularly.
• Assess and mitigate risk tied to material availability, geopolitical factors, and supplier financial health.
• Supplier Accountability & Risk Management: Establish KPIs and conduct regular performance reviews with key domestic and international suppliers to optimize quality control, lead times, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Serve as the procurement lead on New Product Introduction (NPI) projects, engaging suppliers early, providing cost estimates, and securing long-lead-time materials.
• Drive cost reduction through value engineering, volume consolidation, and other strategies, and report verifiable savings against budget.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to set and maintain accurate standard costs for all components and assemblies in the ERP system.
• Manage internal pricing structures for finished goods and service parts to meet profitability targets.
• Support annual budgeting by forecasting commodity price trends and projected material spend.
• Refine purchasing processes and systems for improved efficiency, transparency, and compliance.
• Other duties as assigned

Education and/or Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or Business Administration.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 to 7 years of industrial manufacturing procurement experience, with at least 2+ years of experience leading, supervising, or mentoring a procurement team. Experience in heavy machinery, vehicle-wash equipment, or capital equipment manufacturing is highly preferred.
• Technical Acumen: Ability to guide buyers through technical engineering drawings, Bills of Materials (BOM), and material specifications for chemical/high-moisture environments.
• Proven track record leading complex, multi-million-dollar negotiations and managing long-term supplier contracts.
• CPSM, CPIM, or similar certification is a strong plus.
• People & Performance Leadership: Proven ability to motivate a team of 4 buyers, set clear expectations, and drive accountability.
• Process Optimization: A continuous-improvement mindset focused on streamlining the purchasing cycle and standardizing internal buying procedures.

Functional/Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent cross-functional communication, particularly with Engineering, Finance, and Operations.
• Ability to present sourcing recommendations, negotiation outcomes, and savings results to management.
• Systems Proficiency: Advanced command of modern ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP), strong data analysis capabilities and advanced Excel.
• Strong financial acumen, with hands-on experience in cost accounting, TCO modeling, and Make vs. Buy analysis.
• Working knowledge of global commodity trends and their financial impact.
• Ability to manage competing priorities across a buying team and meet fixed budget and production deadlines.
• Discretion in handling confidential supplier pricing and contract terms.
• Must adhere to all safety rules, policies and regulations in relationship to OSHA and Mark VII Equipment standards.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch and use hands to grip regularly.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a computer.
• Maintain professional appearance and grooming standards as outlined.

Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus 24/7 virtual care and mental health support via Teladoc. Includes tax-advantaged HSA and FSA savings options.
• Financial Security: Company-paid Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and $25,000 in Life/AD&D insurance at no cost to you.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching to help you build long-term wealth.
• Time Off: Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO), paid sick leave, and paid company holidays to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Supplemental Plans: Voluntary accident and critical illness insurance.
• Growth & Innovation: Professional development opportunities and the chance to work with industry-leading technology in a team-oriented environment.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.