Purchasing Director - Manufacturing (Packaging Components)

Director of Purchasing - Manufacturing

Overview

Our client is an established manufacturing company operating multiple facilities in the Kansas City area, specializing in lighting and harness production. As part of a larger enterprise with six companies, they maintain a collaborative environment across divisions including injection molding, import/export operations, and integrated manufacturing services. Due to an unexpected leadership transition, they are seeking an experienced Director of Purchasing to lead their procurement operations and guide a dedicated team of purchasing professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a dynamic purchasing team of three buyers (one senior buyer and two buyers)
• Develop and implement comprehensive procurement strategies for raw materials, finished goods, supplies, and outside services
• Establish and maintain measurable performance metrics for procurement activities including supplier performance, quality standards, order placement efficiency, and material shortage elimination
• Negotiate and execute purchase orders and vendor contracts to support critical business operations
• Manage material flow and inventory optimization to ensure on-time customer deliveries while maintaining appropriate inventory levels
• Drive strategic sourcing initiatives to reduce supply chain costs through commodity strategies, supplier selection and rationalization, and supply chain solutions
• Lead supplier relationship development and management across a global vendor base
• Support new program development teams to meet target costs and establish cost models
• Coordinate procurement activities across multiple business divisions and subsidiary companies
• Report procurement status and corrective actions to executive management
• Manage materials savings initiatives aligned with profit objectives
• Interface with executive management team and associates across all organizational levels

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Purchasing, or Production/Operations Management
• 7-10 years of progressive experience in purchasing with extensive experience in the manufacturing industry
• Strong understanding of packaging components and associated commodities
• Proven track record of meeting substantial material cost reduction targets
• Strong computer skills with experience using Windows-based PC programs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to coordinate multiple group efforts across the organization to achieve objectives
• Experience managing and developing purchasing professionals

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager), CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management), CSM (Certified Supply Manager), or equivalent
• Experience in a strategic procurement setting within a mid- to large-size manufacturing organization
• Experience working in multi-division or multi-company environments
• Knowledge of vendor managed inventory (VMI), supplier consignment, and advanced supply chain solutions

Salary: $107,000 - $115,000 annually (base salary)

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, 401(k) retirement plan, and additional standard benefits

Leave: Competitive paid time off and leave policies

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