Purchasing Manager

Position Summary

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the company's purchasing and product sourcing activities, including researching, developing, pitching, and launching new authorized products. This role oversees the maintenance of existing product lines and proactively responds to changes in product quality, availability, pricing, and market demand.

The Purchasing Manager will lead the purchasing team in sourcing products, maintaining optimal inventory levels, managing supplier relationships, and driving continuous improvement in purchasing processes. This position plays a key role in supporting company growth initiatives by identifying new product opportunities and ensuring customers receive high-quality products at competitive prices.

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for training, mentoring, and developing purchasing staff while fostering collaboration across departments including Sales, Marketing, Inventory Control, Operations, and Executive Leadership.

This is a full-time, in person position (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM) reporting directly to the President/CEO.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with company goals and customer demand.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
• Negotiate supplier contracts, pricing agreements, freight terms, and payment terms.
• Source and evaluate new vendors and products to improve quality, availability, and profitability.
• Conduct supplier performance evaluations and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Manage the RFQ/RFP process and supplier selection activities.

Product Development & Management

• Research, evaluate, and recommend new products and product lines.
• Lead the introduction and launch of authorized new products.
• Monitor product performance, market trends, and competitive offerings.
• Coordinate product changes, discontinuations, and replacements with suppliers.
• Support company initiatives by identifying products that meet evolving customer needs.

Inventory & Demand Planning

• Oversee inventory management to maintain appropriate stock levels while minimizing excess inventory.
• Analyze inventory turns, stock availability, and purchasing trends.
• Collaborate with inventory and operations teams on forecasting and demand planning.
• Monitor supplier lead times and implement strategies to reduce stockouts and improve service levels.
• Develop inventory strategies that support sales growth and profitability objectives.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain Proposition 65 compliance and collaborate with the Marketing Team regarding regulatory requirements and product labeling.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Manage supplier documentation, certifications, and quality requirements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, train, and develop purchasing department personnel.
• Conduct regular department meetings and training sessions.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures for team members.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional development.
• Partner with other departments to support company initiatives and operational goals.

Reporting & Analysis

• Analyze purchasing performance, inventory metrics, supplier performance, and cost savings opportunities.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for executive leadership.
• Monitor purchasing KPIs including inventory turns, fill rates, supplier performance, margin impact, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Utilize data to drive purchasing decisions and improve operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, Logistics, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or inventory management experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of leadership, supervisory, or team management experience.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating vendor contracts, pricing, and supplier agreements.
• Experience managing inventory levels, forecasting demand, and purchasing for stocked inventory.
• Strong understanding of purchasing processes, supplier management, and inventory control.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills.
• Experience with ERP, MRP, or inventory management systems; NetSuite.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Mechanical aptitude and understanding of industrial products and components.
• Engineering background or strong mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, or industrial product knowledge

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in industrial distribution, manufacturing, hydraulics, mechanical components, MRO products, or related industries.
• Knowledge of inventory turns, margin management, and category management.
• Experience with domestic and international suppliers.
• Experience with strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
• ERP implementation or system optimization experience with NetSuite.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPIM, or CSCP.

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Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Leadership: 2 years (Required)
• Purchasing: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Lincoln, NE 68528 (Required)

Work Location: In person