Purchasing Project Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Purchasing Project Manager

Location: South East Wisconsin (Not a Remote Opportunity)

Tom Cassidy, The Marine Industry Recruiter, Tom@v20recruiting.com

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Purchasing Project Manager to join our team, a leading manufacturer in the recreational marine industry. This role is critical to driving cost-effective purchasing decisions, improving sourcing processes, and supporting company growth through supply chain optimization. The ideal candidate is analytical, collaborative, and experienced in contract negotiations, procurement strategy, and vendor management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate sourcing strategies to ensure supply chain efficiency, cost competitiveness, and quality assurance
• Lead initiatives for cost reduction through market research, scenario analysis, cost forecasting, and strategic supplier selection
• Identify, negotiate, nominate, and contract with key suppliers—domestic and international
• Analyze market trends including logistics, tariffs, and economic factors impacting purchasing decisions
• Support new part procurement and onboarding of new suppliers
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, production, quality, and finance teams to align purchasing activities with operational goals
• Train and support the development of a high-performing purchasing team, contributing to process documentation and internal best practices
• Mitigate supply chain risks through proactive planning, contingency development, and contract alignment with industry standards
• Maintain and strengthen supplier relationships, evaluating performance and identifying continuous improvement opportunities
• Support additional strategic projects or duties as assigned by executive leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, sourcing, or procurement—preferably in manufacturing or marine-related industries
• Demonstrated success in vendor negotiation, cost savings initiatives, and purchasing strategy
• Strong knowledge of supply chain operations, contracts, tariffs, and global logistics
• Proficient in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) and advanced Excel/data analysis
• Effective communicator and problem-solver, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels
• PMP certification or project management experience is a plus

Next Steps

• Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

Tom Cassidy

The Marine Industry Recruiter

Tom@v20recruiting.com

715-340-6862