Purchasing Manager

One of our clients, a well-established and growing manufacturing company, is seeking an experienced Purchasing & Inventory Manager to join their leadership team. Based in Greenville, SC, the company is known for its commitment to operational excellence, quality manufacturing, and continuous improvement. They take pride in building strong supplier partnerships and maintaining efficient, reliable production operations.

This is a high-impact role reporting directly to the COO, ideal for a hands-on supply chain professional who thrives in a manufacturing environment and enjoys balancing strategy with day-to-day execution. The Purchasing & Inventory Manager will play a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted production by aligning sourcing, purchasing, and inventory strategies with operational and financial goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & FUNCTIONS:

• Lead and execute all purchasing, sourcing, and inventory management activities within a metal fabrication/manufacturing environment.
• Oversee procurement of raw materials (steel, aluminum, stainless, etc.), fabricated components, MRO supplies, and outsourced services.
• Manage and develop a team of 2–4 purchasing and/or inventory professionals, providing leadership, coaching, and performance direction.
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives, including RFQs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and long-term supplier agreements.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while mitigating supply chain risk related to pricing, lead times, and material availability.
• Align purchasing and inventory strategies with production schedules, forecasts, and operational priorities.
• Manage inventory levels across raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods to support production while optimizing working capital.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, lead times, and freight terms to drive cost savings and service reliability.
• Analyze purchasing and inventory data to identify cost reduction opportunities, process improvements, and efficiency gains.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to ensure purchasing accuracy, inventory visibility, and data integrity.
• Collaborate closely with operations, production, and leadership teams to support company-wide goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or metal fabrication environment.
• Proven experience managing purchasing, sourcing, and inventory functions.
• Hands-on leadership experience managing and developing a small team.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and supplier management skills.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems required.
• Ability to work effectively in both office and manufacturing floor environments.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to supplier locations as needed.

For confidential consideration, please email careers@forgesc.com or apply directly!