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.

Titles Encouraged to Apply

• Procurement Manager
• Strategic Sourcing Manager
• Senior Purchasing Manager
• Commodity Manager

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