The Purchasing Department Manager leads all purchasing operations to ensure consistent product availability, supplier performance, and operational execution. This is a hands-on working manager role responsible for both leading the team and directly managing a portfolio of key suppliers.

This position is accountable for building a high-performing team and reinforcing a culture grounded in Essex’s core values: We Take Ownership, We Help & Assist, We Do the Right Thing, and We Are Growth Oriented.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership, Management, & Accountability

• Lead, coach, and develop the Purchasing team to drive accountability and results
• Provide clear expectations regarding measurables, Core Values, Fundamentals, and roles & responsibilities
• Foster a collaborative, solution-oriented team environment
• Participate in regularly scheduled meetings as a department
• Perform quarterly check-in conversations and annual performance reviews
• Administer training in job related duties and company SOPs, as required
• Develop and maintain relevant SOPs for the team.
• Act as a role model for urgency, ownership, and follow-through

Purchasing Operations (Working Manager)

• Directly manage a book of suppliers, including purchasing, forecasting, and issue resolution
• Oversee full purchase order lifecycle (creation, maintenance, cost accuracy, expediting, closure)
• Ensure material availability and accurate system data across purchasing platforms
• Act as escalation point for shortages, backorders, and critical supply issues
• Oversee inventory planning, replenishment, and stock levels by SKU and location
• Manage excess, aging, and damaged inventory, including disposition and claims
• Coordinate with warehouse operations to maintain inventory accuracy and flow 
• Develop and manage strong supplier relationships to ensure service, quality, and reliability
• Drive supplier performance on pricing, delivery, and responsiveness
• Partner with Sales and Customer Service to support customer commitments and resolve issues

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and drive key metrics (fill rate, backorders, supplier performance, inventory levels)
• Lead process improvements and standardization across purchasing activities
• Utilize reporting and data to identify issues and drive corrective actions

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other management as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree required
• 5 years of purchasing, supply chain, or related experience
• 3 years of leadership experience preferred
• Knowledge of inventory control, food safety, distribution, and logistics and the ability to apply to practical situations. 
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.)
• Advanced knowledge of ERP and CRM systems; experience in Sage X3 preferred

Licenses/Credentials/Certifications

• N/A

Specialized Knowledge/Skills/Abilities 

• Proven Management and/or relationship management experience
• Strong communication skills, and able to lead and motivate team members, while driving consistent results
• Strong leadership and management skills in accordance with Essex Core Values
• Self-Driven, motivated individual with an active continuous improvement approach

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Working Hours/Environment

• Office hours are 40-50 per week – Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 5:00; may require additional hours periodically, including evening and weekends depending on business needs
• Work typically performed in an indoor office setting

Tools and Equipment Used

• Personal computer, copier, fax/scanner, phone, and other typical office equipment

Travel

• Minimal– less than 10% of the time

Physical & Mental Demands

• Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for long period of time
• Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time
• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment
• Light lifting and carrying of supplies, files, etc.
• Ability to speak to and hear employees/clients via phone or in person
• Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move around the office environment

This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.  This job description is not intended and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or work conditions associated with the job.  Furthermore, the employer reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.