Director, Purchasing & Sourcing

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Purchasing & Sourcing will serve as a key strategic leader within the Supply Chain organization, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive global procurement and sourcing strategy. This role is hands on / working Leader and will oversee the end-to-end sourcing of raw materials, components, and finished goods across a diverse portfolio of personal protective equipment (PPE) products, working closely with international manufacturing partners across Asia, Europe, and other global markets. Will executive with deep expertise in global sourcing, vendor management, and supply chain strategy within the PPE, apparel, safety products, or related consumer goods industry.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Global Sourcing & Procurement Strategy

• Develop, lead, and execute a comprehensive global sourcing and procurement strategy aligned with the company's business objectives, product roadmap, and financial targets
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify international manufacturing partners and suppliers across key global markets including Asia, Europe, and the Americas
• Build and maintain a diversified and resilient global supplier base that supports product quality, cost competitiveness, and supply continuity
• Lead all aspects of supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and onboarding for both new and existing manufacturing partners
• Stay current on global market trends, commodity pricing, geopolitical developments, and trade regulations that may impact sourcing strategy and supply chain continuity

Vendor & Factory Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary strategic relationship owner for key international manufacturing partners and vendors
• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative, and productive partnerships with global factories and suppliers
• Conduct regular business reviews with key suppliers to evaluate performance, drive continuous improvement, and align strategic priorities
• Lead factory visits and on-site audits to assess capabilities, quality standards, compliance, and capacity
• Conducting or commissioning factory audits in conjunction with R&D / Quality

Cost Management & Negotiation

• Lead all strategic sourcing initiatives and contract negotiations to achieve best-in-class pricing, terms, and value across the global supply base
• Develop and execute annual cost reduction targets and savings initiatives without compromising product quality or supplier relationships
• Monitor and analyze global commodity markets, labor costs, and currency fluctuations to proactively manage cost impacts
• Partner with Finance to develop and manage the annual procurement budget and AOP projections
• Identify and implement value engineering and cost optimization opportunities in collaboration with R&D and Product Development

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with R&D, Product Development, and Design teams to support new product development and ensure sourcing strategies align with product requirements and timelines
• Collaborate with Planning, Operations, and Logistics teams to ensure supply chain continuity and on-time delivery of materials and finished goods
• Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure all sourced materials and products meet applicable PPE safety standards, regulatory requirements, and quality specifications
• Partner with Legal to review, negotiate, and execute supplier contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and manufacturing agreements
• Provide strategic input and recommendations to senior leadership on sourcing trends, supply chain risks, and procurement opportunities

Compliance & Ethical Sourcing

• Ensure all sourcing activities comply with applicable domestic and international trade regulations, import/export requirements, and customs laws
• Champion ethical sourcing practices and ensure all manufacturing partners adhere to the company's standards for labor practices, environmental responsibility, and social compliance
• Be aware of current knowledge of applicable PPE regulatory standards including ANSI, OSHA, EN, and other relevant certifications

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Purchasing and Sourcing personnel
• Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and development plans for all direct reports
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration within the team
• Build team capabilities in global sourcing, negotiation, supplier management, and data-driven decision making
• Identify and address skill gaps through targeted coaching, training, and professional development initiatives

Data, Reporting & Systems

• Leverage ERP to manage purchase orders, supplier data, contracts, and spend analytics
• Develop and maintain key procurement metrics and KPIs including cost savings, supplier performance, on-time delivery, and lead times
• Provide regular reporting and strategic updates to senior leadership on procurement performance, savings initiatives, and supply chain risks
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, systems, and tools to increase efficiency and effectiveness

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, International Business, Operations, or a related field required; Master's degree (MBA or MS in Supply Chain) strongly preferred

CPSM, CPM, or APICS CSCP certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 10 years of progressive procurement and sourcing experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

• Demonstrated experience managing global sourcing operations and international manufacturing partnerships, particularly in Asia
• Global Factory & Material Sourcing Experience - especially Asia, & Middle East / India
• Textile / Leather Vendor Management and Sourcing
• Factory Sourcing & Management Experience in Gloves, Apparel
• Industry experience in PPE, safety products, apparel, consumer goods, or related manufacturing strongly preferred
• Proven track record of delivering significant cost savings and supply chain improvements at scale
• Experience managing and developing high-performing procurement teams
• Strong background in contract negotiation and supplier relationship management at an executive level

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Strategic thinker & Executor with the ability to translate vision into executable plans
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and influencing skills
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing large procurement budgets
• Deep knowledge of global trade regulations, import/export compliance, and customs requirements
• Proficiency in ERP systems (P21, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships across cultures and time zones
• Highly collaborative with the ability to lead through influence across cross-functional teams
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with competing priorities

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Yes, Supervisory Responsibility

TRAVEL

Yes, with the ability to travel internationally.

ADDITIONAL INFROMATION

The Salary Range for this position at Mechanix Wear, LLC is $115,000 - $135,000k Annual (USD). Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to market demands, experience, training, skills, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, wellness benefits, education reimbursement program, and Vacation time.