Purchasing Manager

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading procurement and supply chain activities for a custom engineer-to-order (ETO) packaging equipment manufacturer. This role manages sourcing, supplier relationships, material planning, purchasing processes, and cost control for fabricated components, automation hardware, electrical controls, pneumatic systems, and commercial-off-the-shelf parts used in the manufacture of case erectors, case packers, case sealers, stretch wrappers, and palletizers.

The Purchasing Manager works closely with engineering, project management, production, and accounting to ensure materials are available on time, within budget, and aligned with project schedules and customer requirements.

Essential Functions: include the following:

Procurement & Sourcing

• Manage purchasing activities for mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and automation components used in custom machinery builds.
• Source and negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships to improve cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Identify alternative suppliers and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Issue purchase orders and monitor order status through delivery.
• Support makeversusbuy decisions for fabricated and machined components.

Project-Based Material Management

• Coordinate material requirements for engineertoorder projects based on BOMs and project timelines.
• Collaborate with engineering to resolve specification changes and material substitutions.
• Ensure longlead items are identified and procured early to support production schedules.
• Work with project managers and production teams to prioritize material flow for active builds.

Inventory & ERP Management

• Maintain accurate purchasing, inventory, and supplier data within the ERP/MRP system.
• Monitor inventory levels to balance availability with inventory carrying costs.
• Implement purchasing best practices and improve procurement workflows.
• Analyze purchasing data and develop reports on supplier performance, spending, and inventory trends.

Supplier & Quality Management

• Evaluate supplier quality, responsiveness, pricing, and delivery performance.
• Coordinate with quality and engineering teams regarding nonconforming materials and corrective actions.
• Lead supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Supervise purchasing personnel as applicable.
• Develop standardized procurement procedures and documentation.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality or delivery.
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement efforts.

Work Environment:

This position is in a professional environment and the role carried out will regularly utilize computers and phones.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The Purchasing Manager will regularly need to communicate and hear and listen, sit for prolonged periods of time, stand for prolonged periods of time, move about the office or facility to collaborate with inside stakeholders.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time, salary exempt position. Working Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Skills:

1. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, fabrication, electrical controls, and automation components.

2. Ability to read and interpret bills of materials (BOMs), mechanical drawings, and engineering documentation.

3. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.

4. Knowledge of supplier negotiations, inventory control, and procurement best practices.

5. Strong organizational and project management skills.

6. Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.

7. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced custom manufacturing environment.

8. Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

9. Collaborative mindset with cross-functional teams.

10. On-time material availability for production and project schedules.

11. Supplier delivery and quality performance improvements.

12. Cost savings and inventory optimization initiatives.

13. ERP data accuracy and purchasing process efficiency.

14. Effective collaboration with engineering, operations, and project management teams.

Education/Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred.

2. 5 years of purchasing or supply chain experience in industrial equipment manufacturing, automation, or custom machinery environments.

3. Background in Sales of Packaging Equipment or Capital Equipment desired.

4. Experience in engineer-to-order (ETO) or project-based manufacturing is highly preferred.

5. Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.

About COMBI PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC

Combi is a worldwide provider of industrial packaging systems. We engineer and manufacture case erectors, tray formers, case sealers, case packers, robotic packaging systems and ergonomic hand-packing stations. Our packaging solutions provide the customization and flexibility required by customers to increase production . We’re ready to work with you to find the right system to fit your specific needs.