What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Manager position at YakAttack?
The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of all purchasing activities across YakAttack’s component and finished goods supply chain. This includes sourcing parts domestically and directly from Asia, managing long-lead-time purchasing, and maintaining strong supplier relationships. The ideal candidate is both tactical and strategic—able to manage day-to-day purchasing needs while aligning procurement with long-term business forecasts and growth goals.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
- Manage procurement of components and finished goods from domestic and international suppliers.
- Proactively identify and qualify new suppliers to support growth, innovation, cost improvement, and risk mitigation. Work with engineering to qualify new vendors or parts.
- Monitor market trends and raw material pricing to optimize purchasing decisions and timing.
- Forecast Alignment & Inventory Planning
- Translate sales forecasts into purchasing plans, accounting for seasonality and forecast variability.
- Develop and maintain a robust planning process to ensure availability of critical parts while minimizing excess inventory.
- Collaborate closely with sales, forecasting, manufacturing, and operations teams to align procurement with demand.
- Vendor Management
- Maintain strong relationships with key suppliers; negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules.
- Lead supplier performance reviews and manage compliance with quality, delivery, and cost targets.
- Coordinate with international logistics providers to manage inbound shipments and customs processes.
- Process Improvement & Reporting
- Optimize purchasing workflows and ERP data integrity to drive efficiency and visibility.
- Monitor KPIs related to purchasing performance, inventory turns, supplier performance, and cost savings.
- Drive cost reduction and lead-time improvement initiatives in alignment with company goals.
Qualifications
- 5 years of purchasing or supply chain experience, ideally in a manufacturing or consumer goods environment.
- Experience with international sourcing, particularly Asia-based suppliers, including direct factory procurement.
- Strong understanding of demand planning, MRP/ERP systems, and long-lead-time supply chain management.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with ERP systems (Acctivate experience a plus) and Microsoft Excel.
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred.
Why Join YakAttack?
- Opportunity to make a significant impact in a rapidly growing company.
- Work with a passionate team in a values-driven, innovation-focused environment.
- Competitive compensation and benefits.
- Be part of a company that manufactures in the U.S. and takes pride in what we build.