Description Purchasing ManagerLocation: Richfield, WI
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the RoleWe're looking for a Purchasing Manager to help strengthen and modernize how we procure materials and services that support mission-critical defense manufacturing. In this role, you'll build efficient purchasing workflows, manage supplier performance, and ensure materials flow reliably into production. Your work will directly impact quality, cost, compliance, and delivery for U.S. and allied defense programs.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys operational ownership, supplier collaboration, and continuous improvement in a regulated manufacturing environment.
What You'll Do- Evaluate, standardize, and improve purchasing procedures to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance.
- Align purchasing activities with production schedules, inventory requirements, and operational priorities.
- Review and approve purchase orders to ensure accuracy, completeness, and policy adherence.
- Monitor supplier performance across quality, cost, and on-time delivery; adjust the supplier base as needed.
- Develop and implement policies governing the inbound and outbound flow of materials.
- Lead and develop purchasing staff through training, coaching, and performance management.
- Maintain accurate documentation and records to support audits and regulatory requirements.
- Manage rejected material returns and negotiate rework, replacement, or cost recovery with suppliers.
Must-Have Skills and Experience (These are required for consideration.)
- Associate's degree required; additional education in supply chain, business, or operations preferred.
- 5-7 years of purchasing experience, ideally within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
- Experience interpreting technical documents such as blueprints and specifications.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with internal teams and external suppliers.
Nice-to-Have Skills (These are preferred but not required.)
- Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
- Background in supplier development or continuous improvement initiatives.
- Familiarity with ERP or MRP systems.
- Prior leadership or supervisory experience.
Who You Are- An organized, detail-oriented problem solver who thrives in operational environments.
- Comfortable balancing short-term production needs with long-term supply strategy.
- Collaborative and capable of building strong vendor and internal relationships.
- Accountable, data-driven, and committed to continuous improvement.
Our Mission & ValuesThe Entwistle Company is an essential provider of mission-critical defense components and systems across air, land, sea, and space. We are recognized for our specialized capabilities, quality, and dependability.
Our values -
Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Commitment - guide how we work, make decisions, and support our customers and teammates every day.
Additional Details- Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000 (based on experience)
- Schedule: 5x8 or 4x10
- Benefits:
- 401(k) with 4% match on 5% deferrals
- Up to 5 weeks PTO
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Paid family and medical leave
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Safety shoe and eyewear reimbursement
- Employee appreciation events
Military Experience WelcomeWe value transferable military experience. Candidates with the following or similar backgrounds may be a strong fit:
- Army MOS: 92Y - Unit Supply Specialist
- Navy NEC: LS - Logistics Specialist
- Air Force AFSC: 2SOX1 - Supply Management
- Marine Corps MOS: 3043 - Supply Administration and Operations Specialist
