The Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing all procurement activities across the company, including sourcing strategy, supplier relationship management, and cost optimization. This role leads a team of purchasing staff and collaborates closely with Sales, Operations, and Executive Leadership to ensure competitive sourcing, material availability, and margin performance in a dynamic metals distribution environment.

Leadership and Department Oversight

• Lead and develop the purchasing team, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Set departmental KPIs and track performance to drive cost reductions and operational efficiencies.
• Conduct regular coaching, performance reviews, and training to build a high-performing team.
• Manage departmental budget and personnel decisions, including hiring, discipline, and terminations.

Strategic Purchasing & Vendor Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to support sales growth and inventory optimization.
• Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and supplier capacity to anticipate risk and opportunity.
• Negotiate and finalize supplier contracts, pricing, and service levels with a focus on margin improvement.
• Manage vendor performance and relationships, including conflict resolution and compliance audits.

Operational Procurement

• Evaluate purchasing requests from Sales and Operations to ensure alignment with demand planning.
• Ensure timely procurement of materials and equipment by issuing POs and tracking deliveries.
• Implement and oversee inventory control standards, reorder points, and cost reporting systems.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement workflows and cost control.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Senior Executives, General Managers, Sales, and Operations to forecast needs and align procurement with market demand.
• Lead cross-departmental meetings to support business development and inventory strategies.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of metals products, grades, and specifications relevant to distribution.

Required Skills / Abilities:

• Proven leadership in procurement or supply chain functions within industrial or metals sectors.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, forecasting, and contract negotiation skills.
• In-depth knowledge of metal types, grades, and industry-specific supply dynamics is strongly preferred.
• ERP experience (e.g., Eniteo, SAP, Oracle, or Epicor) and advanced Excel proficiency.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work cross-functionally and lead diverse teams.

Education  & Experience 

• Proven leadership in procurement or supply chain functions within industrial or metals sectors.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field (required)
• 5+ years of progressive purchasing or supply chain experience, including leadership of cross-site or regional teams.
• Experience in metals distribution, steel service centers, or industrial product environments preferred.