Purchasing Manager

Barentz is a leading global life science and specialty performance ingredients distributor. We source branded specialty ingredients from leading manufacturers worldwide and our ingredient experts provide value-added technical support which includes pre-mixing, blending, ingredient formulation, and ingredient testing from our state-of-the-art, customized formulation centers and application laboratories.

Established in 1953, Barentz has operations in more than 70 countries with a strong presence in Europe and North America and a rapidly growing network in Latin America and Asia-Pacific. With a turnover of $2.5 billion, the company employs over 2,600 people worldwide and serves more than 25,000 customers. For more information, visit: www.barentz.com.

About this role

What will you do?

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the overall strategic sourcing of materials and products to deliver on business goals and support production, sales, and inventory functions, while implementing continuous improvement changes and developing individual members to be part of a unified team.

Critical results

• Establish regular inventory management program to ensure appropriate inventory levels
• Implement processes to manage effectively slow moving and expiring products proactively in collaboration with inventory support, sales, & principal management teams
• Identify opportunities for strategic sourcing to grow gross profit
• Participate and direct the overall process of sourcing materials and establish performance requirements for all aspects of the supply chain
• Identify potential disruptions in the supply process, launching procedures to eliminate interruptions in service
• Ensure adherence to all applicable facility requirements, certifications and designations
• Ensure adherence to ISO 9001, ACD Responsible Distribution, and other applicable quality management principles
• Contribute to and support continuous improvement of our processes and systems
• Seek opportunities to share best practices with the team, support staff and other divisions

Responsibilities

• Oversee Purchasing Specialists’ management of domestic and international principal inventories based on historical usage and sales forecasts
• Coordinate Specialists’ activities such as verifying/maintaining costs, providing product availability, reviewing open orders, processing inbound shipments, updating documentation
• Participate as a resource to Specialists and other departments for inventory related questions, including updates for Customer Service and Sales Teams and product for returns, disposal or special sale
• Maintain an understanding of new and existing regulations that may impact the organization’s products and processes
• Review reports, spreadsheets, recordkeeping and compliance processes and requirements
• Build and encourage team members’ close working relationships with key contacts to ensure the efficient delivery of material
• Serve as a liaison between our broker/forwarder partners that manage international shipments and as an expert on international supply chain
• Provide leadership and overall management of the purchasing function throughout the assigned division
• Communicate with other Department Managers throughout the organization to stay up to date on customers and trends
• Encourage Specialists to build cross-functional relationships (i.e., Customer Service for on time/full shipments and Accounts Payable for accurate payment information)
• Collaborate with regulatory, commercial, and operations to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
• Support and lead by example, following Barentz’ purpose, strategies, and values
• Act legally and ethically in all professional relationships in adherence with Barentz’ culture, values and fundamentals (cont’d)
• Contribute to an environment of trust and mutual respect
• Maintain a strong commitment to teamwork and concern for others
• Maintain a high level of personal responsibility and ownership
• Use effective communication and listening skills
• Foster an inclusive and diverse workplace where every team member feels valued and respected

About You

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field (required)
• Advanced degree in Business or related field (preferred) or combination of Bachelor’s degree and relative experience
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in purchasing, inventory analysis, or materials management with at least 5 years in a leadership role (required)
• Previous regulatory and/or safety experience a plus, especially in the chemical industry (preferred)
• Any industry related certification (i.e., Sales Techniques, Project Management, Regulatory, Quality Management, etc.) (preferred/encouraged)

Skills

• Self-motivated, high energy, and engaging level of enthusiasm and positive outlook
• Ability and desire to develop meaningful/productive business relationships at all levels
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to adapt communication style to the audience as needed
• Software knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point
• Must be able to effectively prioritize work assignments for self and others
• Demonstrated exceptional organizational, presentation, negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated teamwork, productivity, accuracy, dedication, and professionalism
• Fluent in English, a second language would be considered an asset
• Strong calculation, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Why Barentz?

Barentz is a fast-growing organization with an open culture and short lines of communication. We offer you the freedom and opportunity to operate independently within the set objectives and frameworks. Barentz is looking for employees who are creative, independent, and energetic and like to take on challenges. You like to work in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment, which requires a high degree of flexibility.

• Competitive benefits package
• 401K with matching
• An inspiring multinational company in a fast-growing and innovative business

Interested?

Looking for an exciting position? Then join us. We’re investing in our future, starting by adding talented people (like you) to our rapidly expanding team. Please apply using our apply button below.

Barentz North America, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.