Overview of Job Description:The Senior Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing the organization's purchasing function to achieve service, inventory, and cost objectives. This role combines
strategic oversight with hands-on execution, serving as a player-coach who actively supports the purchasing team when needed.
This individual applies a
comprehensive knowledge of purchasing principles and supply chain practices to manage vendor relationships, ensure quality standards, and control costs, while leading a team and administering established policies and procedures.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:Leadership & Team Management- Lead, direct, and develop a team of buyers, with full authority for personnel decisions
- Foster a high-performance, accountable culture focused on execution, responsiveness, and continuous improvement
- Provide day-to-day coaching, training, and hands-on support to team members
- Step in to directly manage purchasing activities during high-volume periods, team absences, or complex issues
Hands-On Purchasing & Execution- Perform and oversee complex purchasing tasks following established processes and policies
- Actively participate in purchasing activities such as placing orders, expediting shipments, resolving shortages, and addressing vendor issues
- Ensure timely and accurate procurement aligned with forecast and inventory plans
- Support buyers in troubleshooting supply chain challenges and escalations
Vendor Management & Negotiation- Identify, evaluate, select, and negotiate with vendors to maximize quality while controlling costs
- Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure reliability and service performance
- Address and resolve vendor issues related to quality, delivery, shipping, and invoicing
- Continuously assess supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement or cost savings
Procurement Processes & Compliance- Develop and manage purchasing procedures, including RFP, RFQ, bid processes, purchase orders, and requisitions
- Ensure procurement activities meet quality standards while minimizing total cost
- Administer established purchasing policies and ensure compliance with company guidelines
- Partner with Compliance and Quality Assurance teams in vendor approval and qualification processes
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Work closely with Design, Product Development, Sales, Inventory Planning, and Warehouse teams
- Support internal stakeholders in identifying sourcing solutions aligned with business needs
- Collaborate with Inventory Management to ensure accurate forecasting and inventory planning
- Ensure alignment between purchasing execution and broader operational goals
Process Improvement & Operational Oversight- Evaluate and improve purchasing processes to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
- Analyze purchasing data, vendor performance, and inventory trends to drive improvements
- Primarily administer established policies and procedures while contributing to process enhancements and procedural changes
- Support departmental budgeting and provide input into strategic planning initiatives
Knowledge/Skills/Education/Experience:Skills & Competencies- Comprehensive knowledge of purchasing, sourcing, and supply chain principles
- Proven ability to lead while remaining hands-on in execution
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills
- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage complex tasks and priorities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and Microsoft Office tools
Education & Experience- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred
- 7+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in manufacturing, consumer goods, or gift industries
- Demonstrated experience managing people while actively handling purchasing responsibilities
- Global sourcing experience a plus
- Food industry experience a plus
Key Role Expectations- Functions as a working manager, not solely a delegator
- Balances tactical execution with leadership responsibilities
- Provides direct, hands-on support to ensure team success and continuity of operations
- Drives both operational excellence and continuous improvement
