Purchasing Manager - Manufacturing

We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement and strategic sourcing for a manufacturing operation specializing in CNC machining, metal fabrication, and welding.

The ideal candidate will have industrial manufacturing purchasing experience, an understanding of machining and fabrication processes, and the ability to build supplier relationships that support production, quality, and profitability.

This role will focus on managing material costs, negotiating supplier agreements, improving purchasing efficiencies, and ensuring materials and services are available to support manufacturing operations.

Candidates outside Iowa are welcome to apply if willing to relocate. U.S. citizenship is required.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Procurement Management

• Lead purchasing of raw materials, steel, aluminum, components, tooling, consumables, and outside processing services.
• Develop purchasing strategies aligned with production requirements and business objectives.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and supplier agreements.
• Manage supplier selection, qualification, performance, and relationships.
• Balance competitive costs with quality and delivery expectations.

Manufacturing & Supply Chain Support

• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, production planning, and operations leadership.
• Understand procurement requirements for CNC machining, welding, and metal fabrication.
• Coordinate purchasing of machined parts, fabricated assemblies, tooling, and subcontracted services.
• Manage inventory and purchasing schedules to prevent production interruptions.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, lead times, and excess inventory.

Supplier Performance & Cost Management

• Establish supplier performance metrics for cost, quality, delivery, and service.
• Develop alternative supplier relationships.
• Lead cost-reduction and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor material pricing, market conditions, and supply chain risks.
• Resolve supplier quality, delivery, and purchasing issues.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in manufacturing.
• Experience supporting CNC machining, precision machining, welding, metal fabrication, or industrial equipment manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other industrial metals.
• Experience purchasing machined parts, fabricated components, tooling, and manufacturing supplies.
• Proven negotiation skills and success developing supplier relationships.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and inventory management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in job shop, contract manufacturing, or custom metal fabrication environments.
• Familiarity with CNC machining, welding, and outside processing.
• Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and cost-reduction experience.
• Experience with domestic and international suppliers.
• Background developing purchasing procedures, KPIs, and supplier scorecards.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for more than someone who simply places purchase orders. The ideal candidate understands manufacturing operations, recognizes how purchasing impacts production, and contributes directly to operational and financial performance.

Experience sourcing materials for CNC operations, fabricated assemblies, and outsourced welding services will be particularly valuable.

Position Highlights

• Opportunity to influence purchasing strategy and manufacturing profitability.
• Direct interaction with operations and manufacturing leadership.
• Ability to strengthen supplier partnerships.
• Opportunity to drive measurable cost savings and process improvements.
• Iowa-based position with relocation candidates encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates:

email: scott.slater@gogpac.com

Call: 515-461-1578

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.