Purchasing Manager:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Develop and implement purchasing strategies to ensure the timely availability of materials and supplies for manufacturing operations.

Collaborate with production and planning teams to forecast material requirements based on production schedules and demand forecasts.

Ensure purchasing activities align with overall manufacturing goals, cost targets, and inventory management strategies.

Optimize material flows and manage procurement processes to avoid stockouts and ensure smooth manufacturing operations.

Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers that meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements for manufacturing processes.

Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts, prices, and terms to achieve cost-effective and reliable sourcing.

Monitor supplier performance, addressing any quality, delivery, or cost-related issues in a timely and effective manner.

Negotiate contracts, prices, and terms with suppliers, aiming for favorable agreements that benefit the company while maintaining supplier partnerships.

Analyze market trends and prices to secure the best value for materials and services.

Track and report on purchasing costs and savings, identifying opportunities for cost reductions without compromising quality.

Oversee inventory levels of raw materials goods to meet production schedules without overstocking or shortages.

Ensure efficient use of inventory management software and ERP systems to track stock levels, manage reordering, and improve procurement efficiency.

Ensure that materials are ordered in the correct quantities and delivered on time to meet production demands minimizing transportation costs.

Ensure all purchased materials meet manufacturing and quality standards.

Collaborate with quality assurance teams to resolve any issues related to defective materials, non-compliance, or substandard performance.

Maintain compliance with legal, regulatory, and company-specific procurement policies and procedures.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality assurance, logistics, sales / customer service and finance, to ensure seamless coordination of purchasing and supply chain activities.

Regularly communicate with senior management about supply chain performance, procurement issues, and opportunities for improvement.

Address production challenges, including material delays, quality issues, and supply chain disruptions, in a proactive manner.

Continuously evaluate and adjust procurement strategies to align with production needs and company objectives.

Lead initiatives to improve the purchasing process, reduce lead times, and enhance supplier performance.

Monitor and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) related to purchasing, such as delivery time, cost savings, and quality.

Lead and manage a team of purchasing and supply chain professionals, providing direction, mentorship, and training to ensure high performance and professional development.

Conduct performance reviews and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Oversee training programs to ensure that staff is knowledgeable about supply chain best practices, procurement procedures, and industry trends.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field or equivalent work experience required. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CPSM, CPIM) is a plus.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in purchasing or procurement / supply chain management, with at least 2 years in a manufacturing environment and managerial role.

Multiple commodities buying/sourcing experience preferred with strong negotiation skills.

Prior experience in purchasing/inventory control a must with knowledge in an FDA regulated environment preferred.

Good working knowledge of ISO 13485, FDA, QSR & GMP for Medical Devices and CMDR preferred.

Self-starter with the desire and ability to take initiative on projects.

Direct and work effectively within a team setting.

Proven experience in supplier negotiation, purchasing, procurement, inventory control and contract management.

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production scheduling and the materials required for production.

Proficiency with purchasing software, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills both verbally and non-verbally.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams.

Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities and production demands while juggling many tasks simultaneously.

Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

Knowledge of global supply chain management, including international procurement and logistics.