Director Purchasing Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

G.S. Precision manufactures critical components for the Aerospace and Defense industries. With 700 employees across four integrated locations totaling 230,000 sq. ft., we draw on 60+ years of experience and cutting-edge technology to deliver consistent, high-quality results.

Our Mission & Values: To provide a proud, caring, and safe environment that allows our team to thrive in delivering value to our customers. We encourage creative thinking and problem solving. We grow our company through open communication, strong leadership, and continuous improvement that benefits our customers, employees, their families, and our communities.

Our Vision: To be the most trusted global partner in precision manufacturing and assembly of highly engineered mission critical products, recognized for our commitment to innovation, quality, and ability to enable our customers success.

Generate Sustained Profitability

We offer a competitive benefits package, which includes but not limited to:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Care Coverage (Starting the Next Full Month After Hire)
• Paid Holidays starting on Day ONE
• Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Company Paid Short-Term Disability
• 401 (k) Matching Retirement Plan
• Employer Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Dependent Care Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Educational Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Safety Shoe Allowance
• Prescription Safety Glasses Program
• Shift Differentials for 2nd and 3rd Shifts
• Bereavement Leave

Purchasing Manager

Brattleboro, VT

Department: Procurement / Supply Chain

Job Objective

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the organization’s end-to-end purchasing and procurement operations to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and risk-mitigated acquisition of raw materials, components, and services.

This role provides strategic and operational leadership over purchasing, planning, and supplier management functions. The Manager ensures supplier performance excellence across quality, delivery, and cost, while optimizing procurement processes, managing risk, and aligning purchasing activities with company objectives. This leader also develops a high-performing team and drives continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with company goals, production needs, and market conditions
• Analyze market trends, cost drivers, and supply risks to support informed purchasing decisions
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency improvements, and supply continuity
• Contribute to organizational strategic planning as a key supply chain leader

Supplier Management & Negotiation

• Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers to meet quality, cost, delivery, and compliance requirements
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers
• Lead negotiations for pricing, contracts, and terms to achieve optimal commercial outcomes
• Develop and track supplier performance metrics (KPIs) and ensure accountability
• Resolve supplier performance issues and drive continuous improvement

Purchasing & Operational Execution

• Oversee purchasing, material planning, and inventory control to ensure alignment with production schedules
• Ensure timely procurement of raw materials, components, and services to meet customer commitments
• Manage outsourced services and external processing workflows end-to-end
• Optimize inventory strategies to balance service levels and working capital
• Streamline purchasing processes to improve efficiency and reduce lead times
• Implement and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and best practices

Cost & Budget Management

• Develop and manage purchasing budgets in alignment with financial targets
• Monitor spending and implement cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality or supply reliability
• Track and report on cost savings and purchasing performance

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including supplier disruptions and market volatility
• Ensure compliance with company policies, customer requirements, and applicable industry regulations
• Promote ethical purchasing practices and adherence to sustainability goals

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program Management to align purchasing with business and customer needs
• Support new product introductions and production scaling through early supplier engagement
• Act as a key stakeholder in operational and strategic decision-making

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the purchasing and planning teams
• Build organizational capability in procurement, negotiation, and supplier management
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex purchasing challenges

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 10+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain roles
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing purchasing or planning teams
• Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (aerospace & defense preferred)
• Proven success in supplier negotiations, purchasing strategy, and supplier performance management
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and cost reduction initiatives
• Deep understanding of supply chain risk and material planning

Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset
• Advanced proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite

Certifications (Preferred)

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
• Certified Procurement Professional (CPP)

Impact of the Role

The Purchasing Manager plays a critical role in ensuring operational continuity, controlling costs, and strengthening the organization’s supply chain through effective purchasing leadership and supplier performance management.

We are looking for people who are highly motivated with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Must be a professional with strong work ethic and comfortable working as part of a team that includes all levels of the organization.

Come join our team!

G.S. Precision is committed to Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and to be in compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, natural origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition, disability or veteran’s status or any other classification protected by State/Federal laws.