Senior Manager, Purchasing

Purchasing Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute a multi-year purchasing strategy aligned with business, operational, product, financial, and global supply chain priorities.
• Translate strategic direction into annual operating plans, functional roadmaps, resource requirements, milestones, and performance measures.
• Monitor execution, remove barriers, and adjust priorities as business conditions change.

Innovation, Change & Decision Leadership

• Lead through ambiguity and changing business conditions.
• Evaluate complex information and make recommendations that balance cost, quality, availability, inventory, innovation, and risk.
• Sponsor process, technology, and organizational improvements.

Global & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Represent regional purchasing requirements within the global purchasing organization.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Sales, and Supply Chain leaders.
• Align business requirements and support global purchasing initiatives.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build and lead a high-performing purchasing organization.
• Define governance, decision rights, performance expectations, and succession plans.
• Strengthen leadership and strategic purchasing capabilities.

Supplier Strategy, Cost & Supply Continuity

• Develop and optimize the supplier portfolio.
• Lead sourcing, negotiations, contracting, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Establish inventory, capacity, and supply continuity strategies.
• Monitor supplier and market risks and implement mitigation plans.

Operational Governance & Systems

• Lead resolution of significant supplier and supply chain escalations.
• Improve processes, analytics, systems, and decision-support capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with company, regulatory, quality, customer, and audit requirements.

Business Partnership & Project Purchasing

• Build purchasing expertise across the organization.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to functional leaders.
• Establish project purchasing strategies and governance for product development and lifecycle execution.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, strategic sourcing, or supply management.
• 3+ years of management experience.
• Experience within an international industrial or manufacturing environment.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrated ability to establish direction, make sound business decisions, and translate strategy into action.
• Experience managing ambiguity and driving organizational change.
• Strong supplier management, negotiation, and strategic sourcing expertise.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Experience with ERP systems, project management tools, and related business applications; SAP preferred.

The Senior Manager, Purchasing provides strategic leadership for the purchasing function and develops purchasing strategies that support business growth, supply continuity, innovation, operational performance, and financial objectives. This role translates company and supply chain strategy into actionable priorities, supplier strategies, organizational capabilities, and measurable results. The Senior Manager aligns global and cross-functional stakeholders while leading the continued development of the purchasing organization, supplier network, processes, and systems.

About ODU

ODU is a global leader in precision connector systems and cable assembly solutions serving industries including medical technology, aerospace & defense, industrial automation, energy, and test & measurement.

Why Join ODU?

At ODU, you'll work alongside talented professionals who are passionate about innovation, collaboration, and delivering exceptional solutions to customers worldwide. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, career development opportunities, and a culture that values teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this California-based position is $120,000 to $140,000 annually, depending on experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors. ODU also offers a comprehensive benefits package.