Director Procurement Manager Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Strategic Procurement Manager is responsible for leading procurement function by developing and executing sourcing strategies that ensure material availability, cost competitiveness, supplier performance, and operational excellence. This position provides leadership for purchasing activities, supplier relationship management, strategic negotiations, procurement governance, and continuous improvement initiatives that support the company's operational and financial objectives.

The Strategic Procurement Manager works closely with Operations, Planning, Program Management, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to align procurement strategies with customer demand, inventory objectives, production schedules, and long-term business growth. This position is responsible for developing a high-performing procurement organization while ensuring that business processes and ERP Planning parameters support accurate planning, reliable material availability, and scalable operations.

Success in this role requires strong business acumen, analytical thinking, leadership, negotiation skills, and the ability to build collaborative relationships with both internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Director of Supply Chain or President
Direct Reports:
Buyer(s), Purchasing Assistant, Expeditor, NPI/Quote Buyer
Additional procurement and materials personnel as the organization scales

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives that support cost, quality, delivery, and growth objectives
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships while evaluating supplier performance, capacity, risk, and long-term capabilities
• Lead supplier business reviews and establish corrective actions when performance expectations are not achieved.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate spending, improve supplier partnerships, and reduce supply chain risk.
• Lead commercial negotiations for pricing, lead times, payment terms, inventory programs, and long-term agreements
• Develop supplier agreements that protect commercial and operational interests
• Support legal review of supplier terms and conditions where appropriate
• Ensure procurement business processes are accurately reflected within ERP workflows and planning parameters
• Develop procurement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that provide visibility into supplier performance, inventory health, purchasing effectiveness, and material availability
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that simplify processes, eliminate waste, and improve overall procurement performance
• Identify annual cost reduction opportunities through sourcing, value analysis, process improvements, and supplier collaboration
• Optimize inventory investment while maintaining customer delivery performance
• Support inventory classification initiatives, excess inventory reduction, and working capital objectives

ERP Planning System Ownership:

Serve as the functional owner of procurement processes within Global Shop Solutions (GSS), ( ERP).

Partner with the internal stakeholders and GSS to implement system enhancements that improve procurement and planning performance.

Maintain planning parameters including lead times, planning calendars, order policies, and scheduling rules.

Ensure planning data accuracy and integrity within the ERP system.

Support planning system enhancements and process improvements.

Capacity & Production Planning:

Identify material constraints.

Coordinate production schedules with manufacturing leadership.

Participate in Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) activities to balance demand, capacity, and material availability.

Demand Management:

Review customer forecasts, backlog, and demand requirements.

Collaborate with Program Management and Sales to understand changing customer needs.

Evaluate demand changes and recommend supply strategy.

Develop 'what if' scenarios to support business requirements

• Monitor demand volatility and proactively develop supply strategies to minimize material shortages and excess inventory.

Procurement Governance & Compliance:

• Develop and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and standard work.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies and contractual commitments.
• Promote ethical procurement practices and appropriate internal controls.
• Support customer, regulatory, and quality requirements applicable to the supply chain.

Qualifications:

Education:
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred. An Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Experience:
7+ years of progressive procurement, supply chain, operations, or manufacturing experience.

3+ years of leadership experience leading procurement, purchasing, or supply chain teams.

• Experience in EMS or complex manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems required.
• Experience with Global Shop Solutions (GSS)(ERP) preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Strategic Sourcing
• ERP/MRP Systems
• Production Planning
• Master Scheduling
• Capacity Planning
• Inventory Management
• Demand Planning
• Data Analysis and Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Procurement Metrics and KPI Development

Desired Leadership Competencies:

Strategic thinker with strong business acumen

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands.
• Effective cross-functional leadership and collaboration
• Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated coaching, mentoring, and team development abilities.
• Results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Preferred Certifications:
• APICS / ASCM
• CPSM (Institute for Supply Management)
• Lean or Six Sigma certification (preferred)

Success Measurements for the first year:

• Achieve measurable cost savings through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Develop a structured, high-performing procurement organization.
• Improve supplier performance, lead time reliability, and material availability.
• Standardize procurement processes and improve ERP planning accuracy.
• Improve production schedule attainment and customer delivery performance.
• Implement scalable procurement processes, KPIs, and governance to support future growth.
• Performance objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) will be established annually in alignment with company objectives.