Purchasing manager

We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement operations within a manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for overseeing the full purchasing lifecycle-including sourcing, supplier negotiation, material planning, and inventory control-to ensure the timely and cost-effective flow of materials that support production.

The Purchasing Manager will lead a small team of buyers and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including production, engineering, quality, and accounting to support operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of buyers with clear performance expectations
• Assign and coordinate purchasing activities while balancing workloads and priorities
• Foster a continuous-improvement-focused culture
• Source and purchase raw materials, components, and services to support manufacturing operations
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and long-term supplier agreements
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure quality, reliability, and on-time delivery
• Monitor supplier performance, market trends, and cost-reduction opportunities
• Resolve supplier-related issues
• Partner with internal teams to forecast material needs and prevent shortages or excess inventory
• Ensure purchased materials meet specifications, quality standards, and compliance requirements
• Implement and maintain purchasing policies, procedures, and best practices
• Track and report KPIs related to supplier performance, inventory levels, and cost control
• Provide regular updates to leadership on purchasing activities and supply chain risks
• Collaborate with accounting on purchase orders, invoice accuracy, and cost tracking
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage purchasing activity and reporting
  
  

Qualifications

• Strong negotiation, communication, and vendor management skills
• Proven leadership experience in a purchasing or supply chain environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate in a fast-paced setting
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office
  
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• 5 years of purchasing or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment
• 2 years of experience supervising or leading purchasing staff
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
  
  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.