The Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement of goods, materials, and services to support business operations. This role manages vendor relationships, negotiates pricing and contracts, and ensures the company is receiving high-quality products at competitive costs. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, a strategic mindset, and experience managing a high-volume purchasing function in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day purchasing operations, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, supplies, goods, and services.
- Develop and execute purchasing strategies to reduce costs, optimize supply chain performance, and improve vendor quality.
- Manage and mentor a team of Buyers / Purchasing Coordinators, ensuring clear communication and strong cross-functional alignment.
- Build, maintain, and evaluate relationships with suppliers to ensure best pricing, product quality, and service levels.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, contracts, and vendor agreements with an emphasis on cost savings and value creation.
- Monitor inventory levels, lead times, and demand forecasts to maintain appropriate stock levels.
- Analyze purchasing trends, spend data, and market changes to proactively manage risk and support business decisions.
- Collaborate closely with operations, finance, production, and logistics teams to forecast needs and solve supply issues.
- Evaluate and onboard new suppliers, ensuring adherence to company standards and compliance requirements.
- Oversee purchase order creation, approval, and tracking to ensure accuracy and timely delivery.
- Resolve supplier issues related to quality, delivery, and invoicing.
- Implement best practices in procurement policies, systems, and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with company, industry, and regulatory requirements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance Required
- 5+ years of progressive purchasing or procurement experience; 2+ years in a supervisory/managerial role strongly preferred.
- Strong negotiation, vendor management, and contract management skills.
- Proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis).
- Experience managing purchasing in a high-volume environment (manufacturing, food & beverage, distribution, hospitality, or similar industries preferred).
- Strong analytical and financial acumen with the ability to interpret data and drive strategy.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with Type-A, collaborative team members.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate issues and provide solutions proactively.
