Job Description
Job Description
Location: Zeeland, MI
Relocation Assistance Available for out-of-area candidates
Our client is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead purchasing operations, supplier strategy, cost optimization, and the continued development of a strong procurement team. This is a visible leadership position for someone who can balance strategic sourcing initiatives with the day-to-day realities of supporting a fast-paced manufacturing operation.
This person will oversee a team of 3 and will have meaningful ownership over supplier performance, purchasing strategy, budgeting, negotiations, cost reduction, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
* Lead the site's purchasing function and provide strategic direction for purchasing and procurement activities.
* Manage, coach, and develop a team of 3, establishing clear priorities, expectations, and performance objectives.
* Develop purchasing strategies that support short- and long-term operational and business objectives.
* Prepare and manage annual purchasing plans, departmental budgets, forecasts, and related financial objectives.
* Develop, maintain, and continuously improve a high-performing supplier base focused on quality, cost, delivery, and service .
* Lead supplier selection, sourcing, negotiations, contract discussions, and ongoing supplier relationship management.
* Identify and execute cost reduction, cost avoidance, VA/VE, and continuous improvement initiatives .
* Monitor supplier performance and work directly with suppliers to address quality, delivery, capacity, commercial, and operational concerns.
* Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Materials, Quality, Engineering, Finance, and other departments to ensure purchasing activities support business requirements.
* Support new programs, product launches, supplier transitions, and post-launch purchasing requirements.
* Establish purchasing controls, processes, policies, and procedures that support consistent execution and measurable improvement.
* Evaluate sourcing risks and develop strategies to strengthen supply continuity and supplier performance.
* Research and recommend new suppliers, processes, systems, technologies, and purchasing practices that can improve overall business performance.
* Negotiate or oversee the negotiation of favorable supplier agreements while maintaining productive long-term partnerships.
* Track purchasing performance and drive improvements related to cost, quality, delivery, inventory, and supplier effectiveness .
* Serve as a key purchasing leader and trusted partner to local management and the broader procurement organization.
Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Operations, Materials Management, or a related field;
* Approximately 8+ years of progressive purchasing experience in an automotive manufacturing environment
* 2+years of procurement leadership experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
* Purchasing or procurement leadership experience within the automotive or high-volume manufacturing industry .
* Experience working within a global or multi-site procurement organization.
* Background supporting VA/VE, supplier development, continuous improvement, and cost-reduction programs .
* Experience supporting new program launches and post-launch manufacturing operations.
* Strong knowledge of modern purchasing, materials management, and strategic sourcing best practices.
* Experience managing suppliers against measurable quality, cost, and delivery expectations.
Benefits Highlights
* Excellent 401(k): Up to 6% company contribution, including 3% provided regardless of employee contributions.
* Low-Cost Medical Coverage
* Company-Paid Insurance: Life insurance equal to 2x annual salary, plus short-term and long-term disability coverage.
* Generous Paid Time Off: 13 paid holidays plus paid vacation.
* Additional Perks: Annual bonus programs, tuition reimbursement, gym reimbursement, and affordable dental and vision coverage.
Titles Encouraged to Apply
* Procurement Manager
* Strategic Sourcing Manager
* Senior Purchasing Manager
* Commodity Manager