What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Manager position at Adhesive Applications?
Company Description
Adhesive Applications, established in 1970, specializes in creating customized pressure-sensitive adhesive film, foam, and transfer tape products designed for the most challenging applications. We are dedicated to providing innovative and practical solutions tailored to industry needs. With decades of expertise and a focus on quality, our team is committed to developing products that exceed expectations. Located in Easthampton, MA, we strive to meet and exceed our customers' adhesive requirements.
The Purchasing Manager is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring raw materials, components, and services required for the manufacturing of tape and adhesive products. This role ensures cost-effective purchasing strategies, supplier performance management, material availability, and alignment with production schedules while maintaining high quality and regulatory standards.
The ideal candidate has experience in the tape, coatings, or adhesive manufacturing industry and understands key raw materials, including films, release liners, resins, rubber, acrylics, silicones, solvents, packaging materials, and specialty chemicals.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
- Develop and execute purchasing strategies for raw materials, chemicals, packaging, and MRO supplies
- Work with the Manufacturing, Lab, and Product Development teams to source and qualify suppliers for films, adhesives, release liners, coatings, and related materials
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and supply agreements
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and lead cost-reduction initiatives
- Monitor commodity trends and raw material market fluctuations
Supplier Management
- Evaluate supplier performance for quality, delivery, cost, and service
- Conduct supplier audits and maintain strong vendor relationships
- Resolve supply disruptions and material shortages
Inventory & Production Support
- Collaborate with production planning to ensure timely material availability
- Maintain optimal inventory levels to balance cost and service
- Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams to manage incoming materials
Compliance & Quality
- Ensure materials meet product specifications and regulatory requirements
- Maintain documentation for SDS, compliance certifications, and quality standards
- Support quality investigations related to raw material defects
- Understanding and working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field
- 5 years of purchasing or procurement experience in manufacturing
- Experience in tape, adhesive, coatings, chemical, or converting industries strongly preferred
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills
- Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems
- Understanding of raw material markets (films, resins, rubber, acrylics, solvents, packaging)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing a procurement team
- Familiarity with global sourcing and import/export regulations
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience