Partner Development Manager Jobs in Meridian, MS

Purchasing & Supplier Development Manager

Onsite: Hernando, MS

Position Overview

The Purchasing & Supplier Development Manager is responsible for leading both tactical purchasing activities and supplier development initiatives for motor control components, electrical assemblies, and related product categories. This role ensures continuity of supply while driving supplier performance, cost competitiveness, quality improvements, and long-term sourcing strategies.

The ideal candidate is an experienced procurement professional who can effectively manage daily purchasing operations while identifying, qualifying, and developing new suppliers, negotiating commercial agreements, reviewing contracts, and reducing supply chain risk. This individual will serve as a key partner to Operations, Engineering, Quality, Product Management, and Sales to support business growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Supply Management

• Manage purchasing activities to ensure uninterrupted supply of materials and components required to support customer demand and production schedules.
• Oversee purchase order placement, supplier order management, expediting, and delivery performance.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with planning and operations teams to maintain appropriate inventory investments.
• Resolve material shortages, supply disruptions, and supplier performance issues.
• Maintain accurate supplier information, pricing, lead times, and purchasing data within ERP systems.

Supplier Development & Management

• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to improve supply chain resilience, competitiveness, and capacity.
• Develop strong supplier relationships and establish performance expectations related to quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness.
• Conduct supplier business reviews and implement corrective actions when performance falls below expectations.
• Partner with suppliers to improve manufacturing processes, lead times, service levels, and overall performance.
• Develop supplier scorecards and key performance metrics.

Commercial Negotiations & Contracts

• Lead supplier negotiations involving pricing, payment terms, lead times, inventory agreements, warranty provisions, and service expectations.
• Review and negotiate supplier contracts, supply agreements, confidentiality agreements, and commercial terms in collaboration with company leadership and legal resources.
• Identify and execute cost reduction opportunities through negotiations, supplier development, value engineering, and supply base optimization.
• Support annual budgeting and cost planning activities through market analysis and supplier engagement.

Strategic Supply Chain Initiatives

• Develop sourcing strategies that support growth, profitability, and supply chain continuity.
• Monitor market conditions, industry trends, commodity movements, tariffs, and geopolitical risks impacting supply.
• Identify opportunities for supplier diversification and risk mitigation.
• Support new product development initiatives by identifying and qualifying suppliers capable of meeting technical and commercial requirements.
• Evaluate make-versus-buy opportunities and supplier capabilities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering on component sourcing, supplier qualification, and product improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Quality to address supplier quality concerns and corrective action activities.
• Work closely with Operations and Planning to improve inventory performance and service levels.
• Provide leadership with recommendations regarding supplier selection, supply risks, cost savings, and procurement strategies.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing purchasing, procurement, or supply chain professionals, including performance management, coaching, goal setting, and team development.
• Proven success identifying, qualifying, and developing suppliers.
• Strong supplier negotiation and contract management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships and drive performance improvements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred

• Experience with motor controls, electric motors, industrial automation products, drives, or related electrical components.
• Global sourcing experience including suppliers in Asia, Mexico, and North America.

Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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