Assistant Director of Purchasing

Assistant Director of Purchasing

Location: Houston, TX - near downtown

Job Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

Join an industry leader in engineered modular systems and industrial manufacturing as our Assistant Director of Purchasing. Reporting directly to the Director of Purchasing, this role serves as the operational leader of the Purchasing organization, overseeing Purchasing Managers and Strategic Sourcing Managers while ensuring the timely procurement of materials critical to complex, engineer-to-order projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic procurement leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, enjoys developing high-performing teams, and understands the importance of supplier partnerships in supporting large-scale industrial projects.

What You'll Do

• Lead, mentor, and develop Purchasing Managers and Strategic Sourcing Managers.
• Drive procurement performance by monitoring supplier delivery, inventory, cost, and operational KPIs.
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier qualification, risk mitigation, and long-term supplier development.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, Project Management, Operations, and Finance to ensure material availability for custom-built equipment.
• Resolve critical supplier, delivery, quality, and commercial issues while maintaining production schedules.
• Champion ERP/MRP utilization, reporting accuracy, and continuous process improvement.
• Develop and improve purchasing policies, standard work, and team training.
• Support cost reduction initiatives while balancing quality, delivery, and total cost of ownership.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and ISO requirements.
• Serve as the department leader in the Director's absence.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 7 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in manufacturing.
• 5 years of leadership experience managing purchasing or supply chain teams.
• Experience supporting engineer-to-order (ETO) and/or make-to-order (MTO) manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and purchasing analytics.
• Proven ability to build supplier relationships and lead cross-functional initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with heavy industrial equipment, power generation, process equipment, or modular manufacturing.
• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.
• ISO-regulated manufacturing environment.
• APICS, CPSM, or CPM certification.

Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a collaborative leader who can balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution. The ideal candidate has experience supporting complex manufacturing operations, building strong supplier partnerships, developing procurement teams, and driving operational excellence through data-driven decision-making.

Why You'll Want This Opportunity

• Lead a high-impact purchasing organization supporting complex engineered products.
• Partner directly with executive leadership on sourcing strategy and operational planning.
• Influence supplier performance, cost optimization, and manufacturing success.
• Work in a collaborative environment where procurement plays a critical role in project execution.
• Opportunity to develop teams, improve processes, and make a measurable impact on business performance.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Career advancement opportunities
• Professional development and leadership growth
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture

Compensation: $130,000 – $140,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Apply today if you're ready to lead procurement operations for complex engineered manufacturing projects and help drive operational excellence from supplier to production.