Director of Purchasing

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Purchasing is responsible for leading Thermo Bond’s purchasing and strategic sourcing activities in alignment with organizational goals and operational requirements. This role will oversee supplier strategy, cost management, and procurement processes to ensure reliable supply, competitive pricing, and scalability to support company growth.

This position will initially be hands-on in executing day-to-day purchasing activities, including issuing purchase orders and managing supplier communications, while building and implementing procurement strategies, systems, and processes. Over time, the Director of Purchasing will transition focus toward supplier development, strategic sourcing, and team leadership.

Reports to: VP of Supply Chain

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Responsibility for managing and developing the purchasing team

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Leads purchasing and strategic sourcing activities in alignment with Thermo Bond’s operational and financial objectives.

· Develops and implements sourcing strategies for key commodities and supplier categories.

· Builds and manages supplier relationships to improve cost, quality, delivery performance, and supply continuity.

· Leads supplier negotiations, including pricing, terms, and long-term agreements.

· Identifies and drives cost reduction initiatives, supplier consolidation opportunities, and value improvement projects.

· Establishes and maintains supplier performance metrics and scorecards.

· Collaborates with engineering, production, and inventory teams to support material selection, sourcing decisions, and production requirements.

· Supports demand planning and inventory strategies to align purchasing with production schedules and business needs.

· Ensures purchasing documents are complete, accurate, and aligned with appropriate terms and conditions.

· Maintains awareness of market conditions, material availability, and supply chain risks.

· Participates in sourcing events including RFQs, supplier evaluations, and cost analysis.

· Issues purchase orders and manages supplier communications as needed to support day-to-day operations.

· Follows up with suppliers on lead times, back orders, and delivery commitments.

· Works with inventory and production teams to resolve urgent or “hot” material requirements.

· Provides updates to internal stakeholders on order status, risks, and supply constraints.

· Develops and improves purchasing processes, systems, and standard work.

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES

· Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

· Proven negotiation skills with experience managing supplier relationships.

· Strategic thinking with the ability to balance short-term execution and long-term planning.

· Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate cost structures, supplier proposals, and market trends.

· Organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Understanding of purchasing procedures, sourcing practices, and supplier management.

· Ability to work cross-functionally with production, engineering, and inventory teams.

· Proficiency with ERP systems and purchasing tools.

TRAVEL, HOURS OF WORK, & SUPERVISION:

This position normally requires the individual to be physically present at one or more TBB manufacturing location Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM but these hours may occasionally be extended as deemed necessary. This position will report to their team leader.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS:

· None required

· Professional certifications such as CPSM or APICS/ASCM are preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred

· 7 to 10 years of purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing, construction, or industrial environment required

· Experience leading sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and cost reduction programs required

· Experience working with ERP systems and material planning processes required

· Prior leadership or team development experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (including but not limited to):

· Must be able to fulfill the physical requirements of the position, which include but are not limited to:

· Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

· Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

· Must be able to access all areas of the facility to determine purchasing needs.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Elk Point, SD 57025 (Required)

Work Location: In person