Director of PurchasingThe Director of Purchasing oversees all procurement functions, including strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier performance management, and inventory optimization. Additionally, this role incorporates commodity market intelligence, index-based pricing models, and financial hedging strategies (e.g., futures and forward contracts) to mitigate cost volatility, enhance forecasting accuracy, and protect margins.
This is an on-site position at our corporate office located in Bolingbrook, IL.As the Director of Purchasing, you will- Develop and execute a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with organizational goals, growth plans, and financial targets
- Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on supply market dynamics, risks, and opportunities
- Establish KPIs and performance metrics to drive procurement effectiveness and continuous improvement
- Establish inventory strategies to align with production demand, service levels and working capital targets
- Lead companywide strategic sourcing initiatives, including RFPs, supplier selection, and complex contract negotiations
- Build and maintain executive level relationships with key suppliers to drive value, innovation, and service excellence
- Develop supplier segmentation and performance management programs, including scorecards and business reviews
- Identify and implement cost reduction, value-engineering, and supplier innovation opportunities
- Manage procurement budgets and deliver measurable cost savings and cost avoidance initiatives
- Analyze market trends, pricing models, and total cost of ownership to inform sourcing decisions
- Monitor relevant commodity markets and indices (e.g., metals and raw materials) and incorporate index-based pricing into supplier agreements where appropriate
- Partner with Finance to evaluate and implement hedging strategies, including futures, forwards, and other financial instruments, to stabilize input costs and reduce exposure to price volatility
- Develop and execute risk management strategies, including supply continuity planning, dual sourcing, and scenario analysis
- Partner with Finance, Operations, Engineering, and other departments to align procurement strategies with business needs
- Support new product development and operational initiatives through early supplier engagement
- Act as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and external suppliers
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or related field required (MBA or advanced degree preferred)
- 10+ years of manufacturing procurement or supply chain experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role
- Experience managing complex supplier networks and high value contracts
- Deep expertise in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze cost structures, market trends, and total cost of ownership
- Experience with commodity markets and index-based pricing
- Proven leadership ability with experience building and managing high performing teams
- Excellent communication and executive presentation skills
- Advanced analytical, problem solving, and decision-making capabilities
- Experience with ERP systems and procurement technologies
- Authorized to work in the United States
WeatherTech is proud to offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package, opportunities for internal promotions and skill development, and a clean and safe workspace. Employees are offered an array of perks including:
- Outstanding BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois medical plans; as well as dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and company-paid life insurance
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Paid vacation, holidays, and personal time
