Director of Purchasing

Role Description:

Our client is looking for a purchasing director to lead the company's procurement function, setting sourcing strategy and directing the purchasing team to ensure the reliable, cost-effective supply of materials, equipment, and services. This role owns supplier relationships and negotiations, drives cost savings and risk reduction across the supply base, and partners with operations, engineering, quality, and finance to support production schedules and business objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the overall procurement strategy, including category strategies for direct materials, indirect materials, capital equipment, and services.

• Lead, develop, and manage the purchasing team, setting objectives, KPIs, and development plans.

• Direct supplier selection, qualification, and performance management; build strategic partnerships with key suppliers.

• Lead major negotiations for pricing, contracts, terms, and long-term agreements; manage the contract lifecycle.

• Drive year-over-year cost savings and total-cost-of-ownership improvements while safeguarding quality and delivery performance.

• Manage supply risk: identify single-source exposures, develop contingency and dual- sourcing plans, and monitor supplier financial and operational health.

• Establish and enforce procurement policies, approval workflows, and ethical sourcing standards; ensure compliance with company policy and applicable regulations.

• Partner with planning and operations on inventory strategy, lead times, and material availability to support production schedules.

• Collaborate with engineering and quality on new product sourcing, supplier development, and cost-reduction (VA/VE) initiatives.

• Oversee procurement systems and data (ERP/MRP); report spend, savings, supplier performance, and market trends to executive leadership.

• Prepare and manage the procurement department budget.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive procurement/purchasing experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and leading complex supplier negotiations.

• Strong knowledge of sourcing processes, contract management, and supplier performance management.

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and spend analytics.

• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills at the executive level.

• Experience in heavy manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial products.

• Experience with international sourcing, logistics, and customs/trade compliance.

• Experience leading procurement transformation or digitalization initiatives.