Purchasing Manager

Company Description EQ United is a diversified organization with two primary divisions, EQ Logistics and EQ Systems with EQ Harness, serving a wide range of industries. The company provides professional products, services, and solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers. With roots dating back to 1913 in Elkhart, Indiana, EQ United has over a century of experience delivering reliable service. Building on this long-standing legacy, the company continues to grow and innovate while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Role Description

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all purchasing activities to ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, and services required to support company operations. This role contributes to the company’s financial performance by developing strategic purchasing plans, negotiating supplier agreements, and maintaining strong vendor relationships while ensuring quality, delivery, and cost objectives are met.

Essential Responsibilities

·        Manage and oversee daily purchasing operations, including purchase orders, supplier contracts, and vendor performance

·        Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency

·        Identify, evaluate, and develop new suppliers while maintaining strong relationships with key strategic vendors

·        Ensure materials and supplies are purchased at competitive prices and delivered on time to support production and operational needs

·        Develop and implement purchasing policies, procedures, and contract management practices

·        Maintain accurate records of goods ordered, received, and invoiced; verify receipt of materials and authorize payment as required

·        Analyze market conditions and supply trends to anticipate material availability and pricing fluctuations

·        Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Accounting, Sales, and other departments to align purchasing strategies with business needs

·        Resolve supplier issues related to quality, delivery, shortages, pricing discrepancies, or service concerns

·        Prepare and present purchasing reports, including cost savings, cost increases, supplier performance, and market analysis

·        Interview, hire, train, and supervise purchasing staff as applicable

·        Support inventory control initiatives to reduce excess or insufficient inventory levels

Qualifications

• Experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management, including vendor selection, negotiation, and contract management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data, forecast demand, and manage inventory levels.
• Knowledge of purchasing systems or ERP software and proficiency with common office tools (e.g., spreadsheets, word processing).
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with suppliers and cross-functional teams in operations, logistics, and finance.
• Demonstrated ability to organize workload, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of manufacturing or distribution processes; experience in related industries is beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, operations management, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Commitment to ethical purchasing practices, continuous improvement, and safety and quality standards.