The Purchasing Manager is responsible for managing the procurement of raw materials, components, and services required for the production of electronic assemblies. The role involves strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and ensuring that purchasing activities align with the company's production schedules and cost objectives. The manager will oversee a team of buyers and work closely with other departments, such as engineering, production, and quality, to ensure seamless operations in a fast-paced EMS environment.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Assign and prioritize tasks within the purchasing team to ensure efficient procurement operations.
• Set performance targets and KPIs for the purchasing team, ensuring alignment with company objectives. Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of buyers and procurement staff, ensuring continuous improvement in their skills and performance.
• Perform cost and scenario analysis, and benchmarking.
• Assess, manage and mitigate risks
• Monitors performance and capabilities of vendors to ensure maintenance of delivery, quality and price commitments.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with key suppliers and vendors of electronic components, PCBs, and other materials used in manufacturing.
• Monitor supplier performance, ensuring adherence to quality standards and on-time delivery.
• Work closely with production planning and engineering teams to ensure materials are procured to meet production schedules without overstocking or creating bottlenecks.
• Implement and maintain efficient inventory management systems to balance lead times and minimize excess or obsolete inventory.
• Conduct regular reviews of stock levels and manage reorder points based on forecasted demand and production needs.
• Analyze market trends, commodity prices, and supplier pricing to make informed decisions on procurement strategies.
• Lead cost-reduction initiatives, including value engineering and alternative sourcing to drive continuous improvement in procurement costs.
• Report on purchasing performance, cost savings, and budget variances to senior management.
• Ensure all purchased materials comply with industry regulations, company quality standards, and customer specifications.
• Identify potential supply chain risks and implement strategies to mitigate them, such as qualifying alternative suppliers or negotiating longer-term agreements.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, including the sourcing of RoHS and REACH-compliant components.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers to foster collaboration and partnership.
• Conduct supplier audits and performance evaluations, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with company goals.
• Resolve any supplier-related issues, such as quality or delivery problems, in a timely manner.

Qualifications Required/Job Specifications:

• Five (5) years’ experience as a Senior Buyer or Purchasing Manager in a NPI contract manufacturing environment consisting of PCBA and Mechanical assemblies
• Must have at least five (5) years of experience in Purchasing, Warehouse and Logistics in an EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) Environment.
• Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or a related area or equivalent experience
• Proficient with PC-based software including SAP and Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Excel.
• Effective organizational skills required; detail oriented; ability to multitask
• Demonstrated effective leadership abilities required
• Ability to apply basic concepts of arithmetic
• Ability to use common sense to solve practical problems.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Manages conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment, as well as partners with business executives and operations leaders in order to develop appropriate solutions.
• Must be self-directed, dependable, and motivated with excellent relationship and time management skills.