Purchasing Manager

Job Title: Purchasing Manager
Department: Operations
Reports To: General Manager
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt (Salary)
Location: Ventura, California (On-site)

Position Summary
A growing Ventura County manufacturer is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to own daily purchasing execution, supplier performance, inventory replenishment parameters, and inbound material coordination. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this hands-on position will take immediate responsibility for our existing vendor base and ensure reliable material availability to support manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchasing & Order Management: Issue and track purchase orders, secure supplier commitments, and proactively resolve lead-time delays or production holds.
• Targeted Sourcing & Negotiations: Maintain current supplier agreements and conduct focused sourcing, supplier qualification, and contract negotiations for alternative components, raw materials, or services as required.
• Inbound Material Flow & Imports: Own the coordination and follow-up of domestic and international inbound shipments. Work directly with suppliers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to confirm supplier readiness, documentation, freight arrangements, customs clearance, duties and tariffs, landed costs, and timely delivery. Proactively escalate production holds, documentation issues, and shipment delays.
• Inventory & Planning Execution: Establish and maintain safety stocks, reorder points, and order quantities within our ERP system in alignment with operations and finance targets.
• Supplier Performance & Reporting: Develop and monitor supplier scorecards for quality, delivery, and cost; lead performance reviews and handle corrective-action follow-ups. Prepare regular reports on supplier performance, purchase-price changes, cost savings, lead times, inventory commitments, and landed costs.
• Cross-Functional Support: Coordinate with R&D, Quality, and Operations on new-product introductions, engineering changes, supplier readiness, and supplier-held tooling.

Qualifications / Experience

• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing, procurement, or materials management within a manufacturing or physical-product environment, including direct responsibility for supplier relationships and purchasing execution.
• Manufacturing Purchasing Experience: Direct experience purchasing components, raw materials, or industrial products in an environment affected by supplier lead times, material-cost fluctuations, and changing production requirements.
• Import Management: Hands-on experience coordinating international purchases and inbound shipments with suppliers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers, including working knowledge of Incoterms, import documentation, duties, tariffs, and landed cost.
• Systems Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP software for inventory control and data-driven purchasing decisions; experience with NetSuite or a comparable manufacturing ERP system is preferred.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and Excel skills with the ability to exercise independent judgment, establish priorities, communicate risks, and drive cross-functional follow-through.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• This is a fully onsite role in Ventura, CA.
• The position involves regular use of computers and standard office equipment and periodic activity in warehouse and production areas; reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable qualified individuals to perform essential job functions.

Compensation
This position is salaried and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and California labor law. Compensation is based on experience and qualifications.
Expected Pay Range:
$110,000 – $145,000 annually

This range reflects the anticipated base salary for a full-time, exempt employee in Ventura County, California. Actual compensation may vary depending on relevant experience.
This position is eligible for:

• Health insurance
• Paid holidays and vacation
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.