Purchasing Manager

Job Description

THIS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY IS LOCATED IN MINNETONKA MINNESOTA

* Not a telework position*

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for all company procurement activities, including raw materials used in manufacturing and finished goods, equipment, and supplies related to company operations.

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for directing, supervising, and providing functional expertise to direct reports and personnel involved in sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing all items procured (e.g., buyers, junior buyers, sourcing specialists, etc).

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for preparing the department budget and establishing policies, systems, and procedures to control company procurement activities effectively and economically.

Representative job titles include Purchasing Manager, Procurement Manager, and Purchasing Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Drive Strategic Sourcing Initiatives

• Negotiate with domestic and international vendors on price, delivery, and quality standards that will allow Engineered Products to meet margin forecast objectives and be perceived as a quality supplier to our customer base.

• Identify and implement material cost reductions through negotiations with current vendors and identify and develop new vendors in Asia, Mexico, or other best-cost areas.

• Participate in new product development processes and lead the supporting sourcing initiatives.

• Work with the Sales, Marketing, and Engineering teams on customs, special quotes, marketing promotions, and other activities

Manage Material Buying, Expediting, Turnkey Products, and Control in Support of Production

• Manage and develop a team of buyers to support the company's daily production requirements and maintain the company's high customer service levels.

• Work with the Sales and Operations teams to satisfy custom and quick-turn sales opportunities.

• Maintain and update accurate costs on the ERP system. The standard cost update is performed every month. Communicate cost variances.

Manage Inventory

• Responsible for managing a total inventory valued at USD 12 Million.

• Responsible for monitoring inventory levels, reorder points, forecasts, and lead times for delivery to ensure adequate operating stocks.

• Responsible for working with management to develop and maintain appropriate inventory levels to enable EPCO to manage cash flow and support our customer service level expectations.

• Responsible for working with all departments to maintain correct inventory counts.

• Responsible for projecting future inventory needs and schedules to facilitate procurement, delivery, and utilization of storage facilities.

• Responsible for the movement and storage of materials and goods and appropriate controls.

Manage Freight Carriers

• Responsible for managing inbound and international freight expenses.

• Responsible for negotiating yearly agreements with all freight carriers.

JOB KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

• Must have strong management/leadership skills with the proven ability to support, train, and empower direct reports.

• Working knowledge of purchasing management, inventory, and warehouse practices required.

• Working Knowledge and previous experience using MRP and product forecasting tools.

• Working knowledge and previous experience using ERP systems related to inventory control, forecasting, MRP, and procurement.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to assess a situation, draw a valid conclusion, and make sound recommendations.

• Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment and discretion.

• Knowledge of overseas freight logistics, costs, payment terms, and terminology required.

• Experience in domestic and international procurement is required.

• Responsible for direct supervision of the material procurement personnel, including Buyers and Junior Buyers.

The physical requirements described here represent those an employee encounters while performing this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made as needed or required to assist with performing the activities described.

• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods throughout the day.

• Requires the ability to use a computer, telephone, and basic office equipment.

• Daily lift push/pull/carry requirements are minimal and require no more than the average office worker.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of (5) years of leadership/management in purchasing or progressive experience in an equivalent position in manufacturing with a similar size organization.

• Experience effectively working with global manufacturers and suppliers.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education preferred in a related field. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, procurement, or equivalent, plus a minimum of 5 years of experience in a purchasing leadership function in a manufacturing organization, is preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

All positions require working well with more than one department and individuals in various roles and working well independently to complete the essential functions required.

• OFFICE POSITIONS:
  1. Work will be performed in a business casual office setting where separate workstations/cubes or offices are set up for employees working in the office area.
  2. Must work in a team environment and perform duties that may require more than one employee's participation to complete the task.
  3. Will also be required to work well independently and with minimal supervision.
• WAREHOUSE AND PRODUCTION POSITIONS:
  1. Work will be performed in a warehouse/plant-type environment where temperatures may fluctuate.
  2. Responsibilities may require performing duties outside the warehouse, but exposure to severe weather and extreme conditions will be minimal.
  3. Must effectively work in a team environment and perform duties that may require more than one employee's participation to complete the task.
  4. Will also be required to work well independently and with minimal supervision.

OTHER: