The Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing all procurement activities across the company, including sourcing strategy, supplier relationship management, and cost optimization. This role leads a team of purchasing staff and collaborates closely with Sales, Operations, and Executive Leadership to ensure competitive sourcing, material availability, and margin performance in a dynamic metals distribution environment.
ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Department Oversight
- Lead and develop the purchasing team, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
- Set departmental KPIs and track performance to drive cost reductions and operational efficiencies.
- Conduct regular coaching, performance reviews, and training to build a high-performing team.
- Manage departmental budget and personnel decisions, including hiring, discipline, and terminations.
Strategic Purchasing & Vendor Management
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies to support sales growth and inventory optimization.
- Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and supplier capacity to anticipate risk and opportunity.
- Negotiate and finalize supplier contracts, pricing, and service levels with a focus on margin improvement.
- Manage vendor performance and relationships, including conflict resolution and compliance audits.
Operational Procurement
- Evaluate purchasing requests from Sales and Operations to ensure alignment with demand planning.
- Ensure timely procurement of materials and equipment by issuing POs and tracking deliveries.
- Implement and oversee inventory control standards, reorder points, and cost reporting systems.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement workflows and cost control.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Senior Executives, General Managers, Sales, and Operations to forecast needs and align procurement with market demand.
- Lead cross-departmental meetings to support business development and inventory strategies.
- Maintain a strong working knowledge of metals products, grades, and specifications relevant to distribution.
Required Skills / Abilities:
- Proven leadership in procurement or supply chain functions within industrial or metals sectors.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical, forecasting, and contract negotiation skills.
- In-depth knowledge of metal types, grades, and industry-specific supply dynamics is strongly preferred.
- ERP experience (e.g., Eniteo, SAP, Oracle, or Epicor) and advanced Excel proficiency.
- Strong interpersonal skills to work cross-functionally and lead diverse teams.
Education & Experience
- Proven leadership in procurement or supply chain functions within industrial or metals sectors.
- Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field (required)
- 5+ years of progressive purchasing or supply chain experience, including leadership of cross-site or regional teams.
- Experience in metals distribution, steel service centers, or industrial product environments preferred.