Sr. Purchasing Agent

General Kinematics Corporation

$80K — $100K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related discipline preferred (or equivalent experience)
  • 5-7+ years of progressive procurement experience in a manufacturing or engineered-to-order environment
  • APICS CPIM or CPSM certification (or similar professional certification) is a plus
  • Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, supplier development, and complex negotiations
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
  • Experience leveraging ERP systems and data analytics to support decision-making
  • Proven ability to lead initiatives, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to travel approximately 15%

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, delivery, and risk
  • Analyze and manage material requirements through the MRP system
  • Lead supplier relationship management, including performance reviews and capability assessments
  • Partner with the Supplier Quality team to maintain supplier governance processes
  • Drive commercial negotiations and contracting strategies
  • Partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, sales, and finance to influence key decisions
  • Champion cost leadership initiatives, including should-cost analysis and structured cost-reduction programs
  • Provide procurement leadership on key projects and new product initiatives
  • Analyze market dynamics and supply trends to inform sourcing strategies
  • Identify and implement process improvements that enhance procurement efficiency
  • Mentor and support development of purchasing team members
  • Perform other tactical duties as required

Benefits

  • Annual profit-sharing incentive bonus payment
  • Health and well-being programs
  • Financial planning tools
  • Career development opportunities
  • Paid time off (PTO) and more
Full Job Description
The Sr. Purchasing Agent is a strategic procurement leader responsible for driving sourcing strategies, supplier performance, and cost optimization initiatives that support company growth and operational excellence. This role serves as a key business partner to engineering, operations, sales and finance, ensuring procurement decisions align with organizational objectives, risk management priorities, and long-term supply continuity.

In addition to managing critical supplier relationships and negotiations, this position provides leadership within the purchasing function, guiding best practices, supporting capability development, and championing continuous improvement.

Job Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, delivery, and risk while supporting business and operational goals.
  • Analyze and manage material requirements through the MRP system, ensuring alignment with production scheduling and inventory management.
  • Lead supplier relationship management, including performance reviews, capability assessments, and long-term partnership development.
  • Partner closely with the Supplier Quality team to establish and maintain supplier governance processes, including audit programs, performance metrics, and corrective action oversight.
  • Drive commercial negotiations and contracting strategies to achieve sustainable value and mitigate supply chain risk.
  • Partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, sales and finance to influence design, planning, and make-versus-buy decisions.
  • Champion cost leadership initiatives, including should-cost analysis, value engineering, and structured cost-reduction programs.
  • Provide procurement leadership on key projects, including early involvement in project planning and new product initiatives.
  • Analyze market dynamics and supply trends to inform sourcing strategies and executive decision-making.
  • Identify and implement process improvements that enhance procurement efficiency, scalability, and data integrity.
  • Mentor and support development of purchasing team members, promoting a high-performance, collaborative team culture.
  • Perform other tactical duties as required to optimize procurement processes such as maintaining data integrity in the ERP system, supporting engineering changes, etc.


Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related discipline preferred (or equivalent experience).
  • 5-7+ years of progressive procurement experience in a manufacturing or engineered-to-order environment.
  • APICS CPIM or CPSM certification (or similar professional certification) is a plus.
  • Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, supplier development, and complex negotiations.
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Experience leveraging ERP systems and data analytics to support decision-making.
  • Proven ability to lead initiatives, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 15%.

Pay: $80,000 to $100,000 paid annually. The range provided is a guideline and not a guarantee of compensation. Other factors that are involved in offer decisions include, and are not limited to a candidate's experience, qualifications, geography, and internal equity.

Benefits: The position also comes with an annual profit-sharing incentive bonus payment. Our benefit programs provide choice and flexibility to meet the needs of you and your family. This includes health and well-being, financial planning tools, career development, PTO, and more.

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