Purchasing Manager

A U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced machine tools, CNC systems, and industrial automation equipment is seeking a seasoned Purchasing and Procurement Manager to lead sourcing strategy, supplier relationships, and materials management across a highly engineered production environment.

This role is ideal for a hands-on professional who understands the complexities of buying precision components, fabricated structures, and automation systems for large-scale machinery used in heavy industrial and equipment manufacturing sectors.

Role Summary:

The Manager of Purchasing & Sourcing oversees procurement operations, supplier negotiations, and sourcing initiatives that support on-time, cost-effective manufacturing. This individual will manage day-to-day buying activities, develop vendor partnerships, and guide a small team of buyers and sourcing specialists.

Purchasing and Sourcing Manager Key Responsibilities:

• Direct the procurement and purchasing of machined parts, castings, fabrications, hydraulic assemblies, controls, and automation components used in large CNC and machine tool systems.
• Develop supplier strategies that optimize cost, delivery, and quality while maintaining strong relationships across the global supply base.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and long-term supply agreements, including vendor-managed inventory and blanket purchase arrangements.
• Oversee daily buying operations — including purchase order approvals, supplier communication, and inventory alignment with production needs.
• Partner with Engineering to evaluate supplier capability for complex parts and assemblies.
• Work with Quality and Production to address delivery issues, non-conformances, or rework situations promptly.
• Lead supplier evaluations, audits, and continuous improvement programs to strengthen performance and reduce supply risk.
• Monitor commodity markets, cost trends, and material availability to proactively manage risk exposure.
• Mentor and develop team members, promoting best practices in sourcing and procurement processes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• 8–10 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or sourcing for machine tools, CNC systems, automation equipment, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of machined parts, fabrications, hydraulics, and control systems used in precision machinery.
• Proven negotiation, contract management, and supplier performance experience.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and purchasing workflows.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Track record of cost improvement, process efficiency, and supplier development.

Preferred Experience:

• Background buying robotics, automation systems, or large CNC machines.
• Established supplier network within the machine tool and industrial automation industries.
• Experience managing or supporting global sourcing and supplier qualification efforts.
• Professional certifications such as CSCP, CPM, or CPP.
• Familiarity with lean supply chain or continuous improvement programs.

Attributes for Success:

• Strategic and analytical thinker with hands-on execution ability.
• Confident negotiator who builds long-term vendor partnerships.
• Collaborative communicator skilled at bridging engineering and operations.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and results-focused.
• Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

The Opportunity:

Compensation: Base salary range $120,000–$170,000, commensurate with experience

This is a key leadership position with an established manufacturer of precision machine tools and automation systems. The selected candidate will drive sourcing and procurement strategy for high-value, engineered-to-order machinery while shaping supplier partnerships that support innovation, quality, and production efficiency.