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Import Purchasing Manager Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Alutiiq, LLC

Sr Manager Procurement Federal

AL · On-site +1

$145K - $165K/yr

Manage purchasing activities, tasks and functions that apply more broadly beyond a single contract ... Coordinate import/export activities, customs clearances, freight forwarding, and international ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Sr Manager Procurement Federal

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$145 - $165/hr

Manage purchasing activities, tasks and functions that apply more broadly beyond a single contract ... Coordinate import/export activities, customs clearances, freight forwarding, and international ...

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Import Purchasing Manager information

What does an import purchasing manager do?

An Import Purchasing Manager is responsible for sourcing and purchasing goods from international suppliers for their company. They negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships, and ensure that imports comply with all regulations and quality standards. These managers also coordinate logistics, monitor inventory levels, and work to minimize costs while ensuring timely delivery of products. Their role is crucial in maintaining efficient supply chains and supporting business operations that rely on imported goods.

What are some common challenges faced by import purchasing managers and how can they be addressed?

Import Purchasing Managers often face challenges such as navigating complex international regulations, managing supplier relationships across different time zones, and dealing with fluctuating shipping costs. Staying updated on import/export laws and fostering strong communication with global suppliers are key to overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, utilizing supply chain management software and collaborating closely with logistics and compliance teams can help ensure smoother operations and minimize delays.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an import purchasing manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Import Purchasing Manager, you need expertise in supply chain management, international trade regulations, and procurement practices, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with ERP systems, sourcing software, and import/export documentation is commonly required, and certifications like CPSM can be advantageous. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and cross-cultural communication skills help build reliable supplier relationships and navigate complex global markets. These abilities are essential to ensure cost-effective purchasing, compliance with regulations, and smooth international supply chain operations.

What is the difference between Import Purchasing Manager vs Import Buyer?

AspectImport Purchasing ManagerImport Buyer
ResponsibilitiesOversees import procurement strategies, manages supplier relationships, and coordinates logistics at a managerial level.Handles day-to-day purchasing activities, negotiates with suppliers, and processes import orders.
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in supply chain, logistics, or business; certifications like CPSM are common.Often requires similar educational background; certifications are less common but beneficial.
Work EnvironmentWorks in corporate offices or procurement departments within manufacturing, retail, or logistics companies.Works in procurement or purchasing departments, often closely collaborating with logistics teams.

The Import Purchasing Manager focuses on strategic import procurement and supplier management, while the Import Buyer handles daily purchasing tasks and order processing. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the manager role involves higher-level planning and oversight.

What are popular job titles related to Import Purchasing Manager jobs in Alabama?

For Import Purchasing Manager jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Import Purchasing Manager jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Import Purchasing Manager jobs in Alabama are:

Import Purchasing Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Import Purchasing Manager job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Purchasing Staff

Birmingham Fastener & Supply

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Purchasing Staff

Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Director of Purchasing

Direct Reports: NA

 

Summary

The Purchasing Staff position is responsible for supporting the day-to-day purchasing and procurement activities of the organization, maintaining supplier relationships, analyzing purchasing and inventory data, and ensuring the timely acquisition of materials necessary to support company operations. This role requires strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills (both verbal and written), the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and the ability to work effectively with vendors, customers, and internal stakeholders in a fast-paced manufacturing and distribution environment.

Essential Functions/Duties

  1. Review vendor purchase order acknowledgments and create, place, modify, and maintain purchase orders to ensure accuracy of pricing, quantities, lead times, and delivery schedules. 
  2. Maintain vendor price books, supplier records, and purchasing documentation to ensure accurate and current information.
  3. Review past due purchase orders, maintain accurate records, and coordinate internally and externally to prioritize critical shipments.
  4. Monitor purchase order dates and proactively communicate with vendors regarding order status, delays, shortages, and revised delivery commitments.
  5. Run, analyze, and distribute purchasing, inventory, and vendor reports as directed.
  6. Work with vendor representatives to gather pricing information, product availability, lead time updates, and market intelligence.
  7. Review and maintain import shipping data, freight information, and related documentation and identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, improve service levels, and enhance supplier performance.
  8. Coordinate with sales, operations, warehouse, and management personnel to ensure purchasing activities align with business needs and customer requirements.
  9. Research and resolve discrepancies involving purchase orders, invoices, receiving documents, shipments, and vendor communications.
  10. Effectively communicate with vendors, transportation providers, coworkers, management, and other stakeholders through in-person discussions, telephone conversations, email correspondence, and virtual meeting platforms.
  11. Maintain professionalism, accuracy, and responsiveness when handling time-sensitive issues and critical business matters.

Competencies

  1. Ability to foster and maintain positive working relationships within and outside of the organization.
  2. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally and present facts, recommendations, and solutions effectively in both oral and written form.
  3. Clear and effective verbal communication is an essential function of this position. The employee must be able to communicate and exchange information effectively in person, by telephone, and through video conferencing platforms with vendors, customers, coworkers, and management regarding purchasing activities, order status, pricing, inventory requirements, and operational issues.
  4. Strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
  5. Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, adapt to competing demands, and demonstrate a high level of customer service and responsiveness.
  6. Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision as well as independently and within a team environment.
  7. Continuously focus on process improvement, identify opportunities for increased efficiency, and proactively present solutions.
  8. Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism while working under pressure and managing changing priorities.
  9. Ability to analyze information, solve problems, make sound business decisions, and prioritize work effectively under stress while working under critical deadlines and heavy workloads.
  10. Must possess strong computer skills and a solid working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other business software applications. Ability to learn and effectively utilize ERP, purchasing, inventory management, and reporting systems is also a must.

Physical/Cognitive Demands

This is a largely sedentary role; however, walking long distances (over uneven surfaces) to/within our production facility is required. Position also requires the ability to lift boxes, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Cognitive abilities required include deductive reasoning, information ordering, oral comprehension, oral expression, problem sensitivity, written comprehension, and written expression. The employee must be able to effectively communicate and exchange information verbally in person, by telephone, and through video conferencing platforms as part of the essential functions of the position.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. 

Required Education and Experience

  1. Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Operations Management, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant work experience. 

Preferred Education and Experience

  1. 2-5 years of purchasing, procurement, inventory management, or supply chain experience. 
  2. Experience in manufacturing, industrial distribution, steel, fastener, or construction-related industries with experience working with ERP or inventory management systems.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice

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