We are looking for an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead strategic sourcing and supplier management efforts for a contract opportunity with permanent potential based in Madison, Alabama. This role is ideal for someone who brings strong commercial judgment, analytical thinking, and the ability to build productive partnerships across internal teams and external suppliers. The successful candidate will help strengthen procurement performance by driving cost improvements, supporting quality and supply continuity, and contributing to long-term operational success.
Responsibilities:
• Lead sourcing initiatives that strengthen the supplier network, improve competitiveness, and align purchasing decisions with business goals.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial terms with suppliers using cost analysis, benchmarking, and market insights to deliver savings and reduce risk.
• Guide yearly pricing discussions with vendors by evaluating cost drivers and identifying opportunities for manufacturing and process improvement.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders and purchasing teams to keep procurement activities on schedule and ensure target dates are achieved.
• Track project progress, prepare accurate updates for leadership, and communicate performance against cost and sourcing objectives.
• Review purchase requests and supplier quotations to confirm accuracy, scope alignment, and appropriate competitive bidding practices.
• Monitor commodity and market trends to support informed supplier selection and recommend effective sourcing strategies.
• Serve as a key resource for purchasing-related matters, including supplier coordination, issue escalation, and support for operational needs.
• Maintain procurement records, comparison data, and system information required for purchasing activities and supplier performance evaluation.
• Provide support during audits, supplier visits, and occasional travel needs, including work outside standard hours when business demands require it.• Experience in purchasing, procurement, or direct material buying with responsibility for supplier negotiations and cost evaluation.
• Strong ability to analyze pricing, identify cost trends, and work with large data sets to support sourcing decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially tools used for reporting, analysis, and presentation.
• Familiarity with procurement or enterprise systems such as SAP, Ariba, or comparable platforms.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.
• Ability to manage sensitive business information with discretion and professionalism.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Background in purchasing management, purchasing materials, and broader procurement operations preferred.