Director of Purchasing

Role Overview

Our client seeks an accomplished Director of Purchasing to lead procurement operations, craft sourcing strategies, and supervise the purchasing team ensuring dependable, cost-efficient acquisition of materials, equipment, and related services. This pivotal role manages supplier relations and contract negotiations, spearheads cost-saving and risk mitigation efforts, while collaborating with operations, engineering, quality control, and finance departments to align with production timelines and business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy encompassing direct and indirect materials, capital assets, and ancillary services.
• Guide and nurture the purchasing team, defining performance targets, KPIs, and career growth plans.
• Oversee supplier selection, vetting, and continuous performance assessment; cultivate strategic alliances with principal suppliers.
• Lead significant negotiations covering pricing structures, contracts, terms, and long-term agreements, managing the entire contract lifecycle.
• Deliver consistent year-over-year cost reductions and optimize total cost of ownership while maintaining quality and timely delivery.
• Identify and manage supply risks, including single-source dependencies; devise backup sourcing strategies and monitor suppliers' financial and operational stability.
• Develop and enforce procurement policies, approval processes, and ethical sourcing standards to ensure regulatory and company compliance.
• Coordinate with planning and operations teams on inventory management, lead times, and availability to support production scheduling.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams on sourcing for new products, supplier development, and value analysis/cost reduction projects.
• Manage procurement data systems (ERP/MRP), generate reports on expenditures, savings, supplier performance, and industry trends for executive review.
• Prepare and oversee the procurement department budget.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related disciplines.
• At least 8 to 10 years of progressive experience in procurement or purchasing, including a minimum of 3 years in leadership capacities, preferably within manufacturing sectors.
• Demonstrated success in cost-saving initiatives and managing complex supplier negotiations.
• Comprehensive understanding of sourcing protocols, contract administration, and supplier performance evaluation.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and spend analytics.
• Strong leadership abilities coupled with advanced communication and executive stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in heavy manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial products industries.
• Knowledge of international procurement, logistics, and customs or trade compliance requirements.
• Experience with procurement transformation or digitalization efforts.