Purchasing Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager – Supplier Development to lead supplier development initiatives, strengthen supplier relationships, mitigate supply chain risks, and drive continuous improvement across purchasing operations. This role is responsible for overseeing supplier development activities, managing departmental performance, supporting new product launches, and ensuring suppliers consistently meet quality, cost, delivery, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership capabilities, purchasing and project management experience, and a background in supplier quality within a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Development & Purchasing

• Lead supplier development strategies to strengthen supplier relationships, improve performance, and reduce supply chain risks.
• Manage sourcing activities for new models, components, materials, and mass production requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure supplier readiness for new product launches and production schedules.
• Monitor supplier quality performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions to minimize costs and operational disruptions.
• Ensure supplier compliance with customer specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

Leadership & Department Management

• Oversee daily supplier development operations, ensuring departmental objectives and performance targets are achieved.
• Provide leadership, coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Establish, communicate, and measure departmental goals, KPIs, and performance expectations.
• Ensure adherence to established policies, procedures, and work instructions.

Continuous Improvement & Quality

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance supplier quality, operational efficiency, and cost competitiveness.
• Support supplier quality audits, performance evaluations, and corrective action initiatives.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Purchasing teams to resolve supplier-related challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize supplier performance, reduce costs, and support manufacturing objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Purchasing, Supplier Development, or Project Management.
• 2+ years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and supporting new product introductions within a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and supplier quality standards.
• Experience conducting or supporting quality audits.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive manufacturing or a Tier 1 supplier environment.
• Background in supplier quality management, sourcing, and supplier performance improvement.
• Experience supporting new product launches and production readiness.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies and cost-reduction initiatives.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Primarily onsite, with responsibilities across both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds as needed.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required for supplier visits, operational support, or training.
• Flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet production schedules and customer requirements.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $90,000 – $100,000
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.