Purchasing Area Leader

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Purchasing Area Leader to lead and oversee a team of four Buyers responsible for the procurement of direct materials. This individual will play a key role in developing purchasing strategies, managing supplier relationships, driving cost savings, and ensuring the timely availability of materials to support production and business objectives.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in direct material purchasing, with experience in steel procurement highly preferred. Automotive industry experience is also a plus. This leader must be a hands-on manager who can develop their team while driving supplier performance, cost competitiveness, and supply chain efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of four Buyers, providing direction, coaching, and performance management.
• Oversee purchasing activities for direct materials to ensure uninterrupted production and operational efficiency.
• Develop and execute purchasing strategies that align with business objectives, cost targets, and production requirements.
• Manage supplier relationships, including supplier selection, negotiations, pricing agreements, and performance management.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives, productivity improvements, and continuous improvement within the purchasing function.
• Monitor market trends, material pricing, and supply chain risks to identify opportunities and mitigate potential disruptions.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to support business needs.
• Ensure purchasing activities meet quality, delivery, inventory, and cost expectations.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, payment terms, and long-term supplier agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics, including on-time delivery, quality, cost, and responsiveness.
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes, supplier consolidation, and overall procurement efficiency.
• Resolve supplier-related issues and proactively address material shortages or delivery challenges.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or strategic sourcing, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience purchasing direct materials is required.
• Prior experience leading, supervising, or developing a purchasing team preferred.
• Steel purchasing or metals procurement experience strongly preferred.
• Automotive industry experience preferred.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and cost-reduction experience.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and purchasing processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership abilities.