Purchasing Manager WI

Job DescriptionJob Description

Summary

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Purchasing Manager to lead and evolve our procurement operations in support of high-performance plant production. Working in close collaboration with the Director of Supply Chain, you will be instrumental in shaping and executing procurement strategies that ensure seamless material management, optimal inventory levels, and supplier performance—directly impacting our ability to deliver world-class fabricated steel products.

This dynamic role requires a results-driven leader with a proven track record in supply chain execution, cost control, supplier negotiation, and team development. You will oversee the planning, direction, and coordination of all purchasing and inventory control activities, ensuring alignment with company production goals, lean manufacturing principles, and financial targets.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Strategic Procurement & Supplier Management

• Champion and execute procurement strategies aligned with corporate goals and plant production needs.
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate a robust network of reliable and cost-effective suppliers to secure critical materials and mitigate risk.
• Lead supplier negotiations, focusing on total value—balancing cost, quality, availability, and delivery performance.
• Continuously assess supplier performance, implement corrective actions, and drive quality assurance initiatives including audits and reviews.

Inventory & Operations Alignment

• Synchronize supply chain functions with plant operations to ensure material availability and inventory accuracy, minimizing downtime and operational costs.
• Manage the full procurement lifecycle including order placement, order tracking, vendor performance, and fulfillment analysis.
• Drive inventory optimization through cycle counting procedures, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of purchasing professionals—fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability, efficiency, and growth.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, finance, engineering, and quality teams to support demand planning, new product introductions, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Champion lean manufacturing principles and supply chain best practices to improve processes, enhance systems, and drive measurable outcomes.
• Ensure purchasing operations are compliant with all corporate policies, ethical standards, and applicable regulations.

Qualifications: Education and/or Experience

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management or related field OR equivalent experience in the Supply Chain function in a similar working environment

• 5–7 years of progressive supply chain/purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership experience managing direct reports with a focus on team development and performance outcomes
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship now and in the future

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strategic thinking with strong business acumen and financial awareness.
• Advanced negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Data-driven decision-maker with solid analytical and quantitative skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, continuous improvement environment.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Systems or Materials Management
• Supply Chain/Materials Certifications – CPM, CPIM
• Previous experience with ERP, including implementation and optimization.