Purchasing Manager

Overview

About ERMCO

Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) is the leading manufacturer of distribution transformers and engineered electrical solutions, serving electric utilities, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and industrial customers across North America. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO delivers reliable, high-quality products that power homes, businesses, and communities across North America.

With a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, ERMCO is at the forefront of supporting grid modernization and energy transition. Our vertically integrated operations, customer-focused culture, and investment in people and technology make ERMCO the Most Valued Partner for delivering resilient, sustainable power infrastructure for the future.

We have an opening in our Materials Department for a Purchasing Manager. This person will oversee the procurement of materials, components, and services essential for production and operations to align procurement strategies with business objectives. The Purchasing Manager will lead a team of buyers to collaborate across departments, work closely with trusted suppliers, and help drive strategic procurement decisions that keep our supply chain strong and our standards high.

Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and execute day-to-day purchasing strategies to support production & operational needs while optimizing cost savings, quality, and lead times.
• Partner with internal departments to align purchasing activities with company goals.
• Identify, evaluate, and maintain partnerships with suppliers to ensure reliability, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers keeping both cost-effectiveness and quality in scope while mitigating risks in purchasing strategies.
• Monitor market trends & supplier performance for improvement opportunities.
• Manage AP Inquiries as needed with Receiving & Accounting Departments
• Lead & develop the purchasing team, communicating goals, metrics, and initiatives while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Oversee the end-to-end purchase order process: creation, tracking, and issue resolution to ensure activities comply with company policies and ethical guidelines.
• Inventory Management Experience to work with Internal Departments to manage stock levels, reduce waste, ensure storage, & improve working capital efficiencies.
• Manage & resolve Vendor Returns (RMA, Cost Recovery, Replacements)
• Manage all vendor escalations that may result in expedited freight.
• Promote ethical sourcing, sustainability, and diversity in all procurement practices.
• Use analytical & problem-solving skills to implement best practices, procurement policies, and systems to enhance efficiency, compliance, and cost savings.
• Build a culture of innovation to drive cost optimization and long-term savings.
• Experience with ERP and procurement software such as MRP, Requisitions, Power BI to track purchasing data, analyze trends, and report on KPI metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7-10 years experience in purchasing within a manufacturing environment
• A minimum of 3 years proven experience in procurement supervision—ideally as a Purchasing, Buyer, or Expeditor Lead, Supervisor, or Manager.
• Knowledge of supply chain principles, procurement best practices, and vendor relations.
• Strong negotiation, supplier contract management, and strategic sourcing skills.
• Analytical mindset with experience in cost analysis and procurement forecasting.
• Experience with sourcing tools, ERP/procurement systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills. 8-D & 5 Why Root Cause Analysis is a plus.
• Experience in lean manufacturing & continuous improvement tools, Six Sigma is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills—you build trust with teams and vendors alike.
• Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and compliance standards.
• The ability to develop the capability in direct reports to maximize their contribution.

Join ERMCO and help TRANSFORM your career.