Manager, Purchasing

Job Description:

Essential Function:

Accountable and responsible to the Sr. Manager of Supply Chain for the performance and leadership of the Purchasing function. Responsible for the management of all purchasing activities, processes and procedures, systems, KPIs, and daily operations. Collaborate within the Supply Chain organization and cross-functionally to create a data driven approach to problem solving and continuous improvement focus. As a leader of an internal service organization, assure service levels are best-in-class and support the needs of the business. Responsible for the maintenance and development of performance metrics and tools to improve efficiency and productivity. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Buyers at multiple plants. Foster an environment of accountability, bias for action, and systems thinking in alignment with Silfex core values.

This position will also have some strategic commodity management responsibilities which entails developing and executing global procurement strategies for assigned commodities that support the requirements of the business. Responsible for overall management of commodities through sourcing, negotiating, and supplier management satisfying business needs and delivering value to the business.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and mentor a dynamic team of purchasing professionals.
• Ensure materials, equipment, and services are secured and acquired in a timely and cost-effective manner meeting business needs.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the strategic roadmap for the Supply Chain organization.
• Maintain and improve existing business processes while developing new processes, tools, and functional capabilities to improve purchasing efficiencies.
• Lead and/or participate in project teams to drive change and implement critical business initiatives.
• Adhere to, develop, and/or revise standard operational and working practices (standard work) and coach team members to ensure compliance with standards.
• Work closely with Purchasing team, suppliers, and other functional areas to implement lean philosophies throughout the entire supply chain and drive continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain measurable performance metrics for all levels of procurement activities to include supplier performance, supplier quality, order placement performance, financial performance, and material shortage elimination.
• Ensure performance improvement and recovery plans are developed, issued, tracked and reported on as required for supply base management and improvement.
• Report to management the measurable status of progress and corrective actions as it pertains to supplier and Purchasing performance.
• Maintain supplier master data records and other critical information in ERP system.
• Recruit, hire, train staff, evaluate employee performance, and recommend or initiate promotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions.
• Implement commodity/supply chain strategies with suppliers to deliver maximum value, leverage, and standardization.
• Source, evaluate, and cultivate relationships with key suppliers accomplishing these goals:
  • Continuity of supply (risk mitigation)
  • Consistent and acceptable quality levels
  • Value added activities (e.g., design assistance, kitting, active participation in cost reduction activities, consignment, VMI, kanban deliveries, etc.)
  • Lead time reduction
  • Reduction in total cost of ownership
  • Improved equipment service levels - response time, coverage, spares availability, technical phone support
• Negotiate and execute supply agreements as needed to support critical business needs
• Perform cost breakdown analysis to validate commodity strategies and understand significant cost drivers (Make vs. Buy).
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality on developing supplier capabilities and maintaining process controls and quality levels.
• Drive cost reduction activities in line with overall business objectives.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain/Operations Management, or related field. MBA is preferred.
• 5+ years progressive experience in Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, or Material Planning roles with extensive experience in manufacturing industry.
• 5+ years direct management experience.
• APICS, CPIM or CPM certification preferred.
• Use of ERP and associated manufacturing systems. Plex experience preferred.
• Clear success in managing supplier relationships in a complex, high volume environment.
• Solid track record meeting substantial material cost reduction targets
• Strong computer skills in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access)
• Ability to coordinate multiple group efforts within the company to achieve objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, with awareness of deadlines.
• Ability to identify processes needing improvement and implement solutions.
• Ability to handle customer and internal situations, which are sometimes stressful or time critical in a logical manner and resolve issues resourcefully and tactfully.
• Ability to multi-task with high energy level (results-oriented)
• Strong team orientation with excellent interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
• Must have strong leadership and project management skills
• Superior problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to drive win-win solutions
• Understanding of Six Sigma, Lean and Project Management methodologies
• High degree of financial acumen and problem-solving ability

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and; talk or hear.

The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds. The employee regularly is required to lift up to 10 pounds. The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the environment is moderate.