Amsted Industries

Procurement Manager

Amsted Industries$80K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
  • 5-8 years of progressive procurement experience in manufacturing.
  • 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
  • Experience negotiating contracts and managing strategic supplier relationships.
  • Strong understanding of inventory control and MRP/ERP systems.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement procurement strategies for raw materials.
  • Identify and maintain relationships with suppliers and service providers.
  • Lead supplier bidding and contract negotiation processes.
  • Analyze market trends to support sourcing decisions.
  • Manage supplier performance using KPIs and conduct regular reviews.
  • Collaborate with Production Planning to ensure material availability.
  • Identify and implement cost-reduction initiatives.

Benefits

  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Health and wellness benefits.
  • Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
  • Flexible work schedule options.
Full Job Description
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

  • Develop and implement procurement strategies for raw materials, including graphite feedstocks, petroleum coke, pitch, additives, packaging materials, and indirect supplies.
  • Identify, evaluate, qualify, and maintain relationships with suppliers and service providers.
  • Lead supplier bidding, RFQ, RFP, and contract negotiation processes.
  • Analyze market trends, pricing, supply conditions, and industry developments to support sourcing decisions.
  • Establish long-term supply agreements that balance cost, quality, delivery, and risk mitigation.


Supplier Management

  • Manage supplier performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality, cost, delivery, responsiveness, and compliance.
  • Conduct regular supplier reviews and audits.
  • Develop contingency plans and alternate sourcing strategies to reduce supply chain risk.
  • Resolve supplier-related quality and delivery issues in collaboration with Quality and Operations teams.


Inventory & Production Support

  • Collaborate with Production Planning and Operations to ensure uninterrupted material availability.
  • Monitor inventory levels and purchasing activities to maintain optimal stock while minimizing carrying costs.
  • Support maintenance and capital projects through the procurement of equipment, spare parts, and services.
  • Coordinate procurement activities for plant shutdowns, turnarounds, and major projects.


Cost Management

  • Identify and implement cost-reduction and value-improvement initiatives.
  • Negotiate favorable pricing, payment terms, and contractual agreements.
  • Monitor spending trends and procurement metrics.
  • Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes.


Compliance & Systems Management

  • Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical sourcing standards, environmental regulations, and applicable legal requirements.
  • Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation.
  • Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage purchasing activities, supplier information, and inventory data.
  • Support internal and external audits related to procurement activities.


Leadership

  • Lead and develop purchasing personnel and procurement processes.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
  • Provide regular reporting on procurement performance and strategic initiatives.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
  • Minimum 5-8 years of progressive procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Minimum 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
  • Experience negotiating contracts and managing strategic supplier relationships.
  • Strong understanding of inventory control, MRP/ERP systems, and manufacturing operations.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in graphite, carbon products, metals, chemicals, mining, refractory, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
  • Professional certification such as CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or APICS certification.
  • Experience with SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar ERP platforms.
  • Knowledge of commodity markets and industrial raw material sourcing.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to assess and mitigate supply chain risks.
  • Strong financial acumen and cost management capabilities.
  • Effective project management and organizational skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to build productive relationships across all levels of the organization.
  • Data-driven decision-making and reporting skills.


Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Material cost savings and cost avoidance.
  • Supplier on-time delivery performance.
  • Inventory turnover and inventory accuracy.
  • Procurement cycle time.
  • Supply continuity and production support.
  • Supplier quality performance.
  • Contract compliance.
  • Working capital improvement.


Working Conditions

  • Manufacturing plant environment with periodic exposure to industrial equipment, dust, noise, and varying temperatures.
  • Occasional travel to supplier sites, conferences, and company locations.
  • Ability to work extended hours as necessary to support operational requirements and supply interruptions.


About Amsted Industries

Amsted Industries is a diversified manufacturer of industrial components serving primarily the railroad, vehicular and construction markets. The company's products include bearings, brake systems, power transmission systems, and more. Amsted Industries was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
Learn more about Amsted Industries
Size
12,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1902

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