Purchasing Manager- 27563

Location: Zeeland, MI

Relocation Assistance Available for out-of-area candidates

Our client is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead purchasing operations, supplier strategy, cost optimization, and the continued development of a strong procurement team. This is a visible leadership position for someone who can balance strategic sourcing initiatives with the day-to-day realities of supporting a fast-paced manufacturing operation.

This person will oversee a team of 3 and will have meaningful ownership over supplier performance, purchasing strategy, budgeting, negotiations, cost reduction, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the site's purchasing function and provide strategic direction for purchasing and procurement activities.


• Manage, coach, and develop a team of 3,establishing clear priorities, expectations, and performance objectives.


• Develop purchasing strategies that support short- and long-term operational and business objectives.


• Prepare and manage annual purchasing plans, departmental budgets, forecasts, and related financial objectives.


• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve a high-performing supplier base focused on quality, cost, delivery, and service.


• Lead supplier selection, sourcing, negotiations, contract discussions, and ongoing supplier relationship management.


• Identify and execute cost reduction, cost avoidance, VA/VE, and continuous improvement initiatives.


• Monitor supplier performance and work directly with suppliers to address quality, delivery, capacity, commercial, and operational concerns.


• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Materials, Quality, Engineering, Finance, and other departments to ensure purchasing activities support business requirements.


• Support new programs, product launches, supplier transitions, and post-launch purchasing requirements.


• Establish purchasing controls, processes, policies, and procedures that support consistent execution and measurable improvement.


• Evaluate sourcing risks and develop strategies to strengthen supply continuity and supplier performance.


• Research and recommend new suppliers, processes, systems, technologies, and purchasing practices that can improve overall business performance.


• Negotiate or oversee the negotiation of favorable supplier agreements while maintaining productive long-term partnerships.


• Track purchasing performance and drive improvements related to cost, quality, delivery, inventory, and supplier effectiveness.


• Serve as a key purchasing leader and trusted partner to local management and the broader procurement organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Operations, Materials Management, or a related field;


• Approximately 8+ years of progressive purchasing experience in an automotive manufacturing environment


• 2+years of procurement leadership experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Purchasing or procurement leadership experience within the automotive or high-volume manufacturing industry.


• Experience working within a global or multi-site procurement organization.


• Background supporting VA/VE, supplier development, continuous improvement, and cost-reduction programs.


• Experience supporting new program launches and post-launch manufacturing operations.


• Strong knowledge of modern purchasing, materials management, and strategic sourcing best practices.


• Experience managing suppliers against measurable quality, cost, and delivery expectations.

Titles Encouraged to Apply

• Procurement Manager


• Strategic Sourcing Manager


• Senior Purchasing Manager


• Commodity Manager