Strategic Purchasing Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Overview of Job Description:

The Senior Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing the organization’s purchasing function to achieve service, inventory, and cost objectives. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution, serving as a player-coach who actively supports the purchasing team when needed.

This individual applies a comprehensive knowledge of purchasing principles and supply chain practices to manage vendor relationships, ensure quality standards, and control costs, while leading a team and administering established policies and procedures.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, direct, and develop a team of buyers, with full authority for personnel decisions
• Foster a high-performance, accountable culture focused on execution, responsiveness, and continuous improvement
• Provide day-to-day coaching, training, and hands-on support to team members
• Step in to directly manage purchasing activities during high-volume periods, team absences, or complex issues

Hands-On Purchasing & Execution

• Perform and oversee complex purchasing tasks following established processes and policies
• Actively participate in purchasing activities such as placing orders, expediting shipments, resolving shortages, and addressing vendor issues
• Ensure timely and accurate procurement aligned with forecast and inventory plans
• Support buyers in troubleshooting supply chain challenges and escalations

Vendor Management & Negotiation

• Identify, evaluate, select, and negotiate with vendors to maximize quality while controlling costs
• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure reliability and service performance
• Address and resolve vendor issues related to quality, delivery, shipping, and invoicing
• Continuously assess supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement or cost savings

Procurement Processes & Compliance

• Develop and manage purchasing procedures, including RFP, RFQ, bid processes, purchase orders, and requisitions
• Ensure procurement activities meet quality standards while minimizing total cost
• Administer established purchasing policies and ensure compliance with company guidelines
• Partner with Compliance and Quality Assurance teams in vendor approval and qualification processes

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design, Product Development, Sales, Inventory Planning, and Warehouse teams
• Support internal stakeholders in identifying sourcing solutions aligned with business needs
• Collaborate with Inventory Management to ensure accurate forecasting and inventory planning
• Ensure alignment between purchasing execution and broader operational goals

Process Improvement & Operational Oversight

• Evaluate and improve purchasing processes to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
• Analyze purchasing data, vendor performance, and inventory trends to drive improvements
• Primarily administer established policies and procedures while contributing to process enhancements and procedural changes
• Support departmental budgeting and provide input into strategic planning initiatives

Knowledge/Skills/Education/Experience:

Skills & Competencies

• Comprehensive knowledge of purchasing, sourcing, and supply chain principles
• Proven ability to lead while remaining hands-on in execution
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage complex tasks and priorities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and Microsoft Office tools

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred
• 7+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in manufacturing, consumer goods, or gift industries
• Demonstrated experience managing people while actively handling purchasing responsibilities
• Global sourcing experience a plus
• Food industry experience a plus

Key Role Expectations

• Functions as a working manager, not solely a delegator
• Balances tactical execution with leadership responsibilities
• Provides direct, hands-on support to ensure team success and continuity of operations
• Drives both operational excellence and continuous improvement

Since 1984, Houdini Inc. has been the leading supplier of upscale food and wine gifts to re-seller's throughout the U.S. Our trend-right gift assortments are found at America's foremost warehouse clubs, mass merchandisers, liquor retailers, specialty stores, catalog companies and internet sites.