Job Description
Location: Zeeland, MI
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Relocation Assistance Available for out-of-area candidates
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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.
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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.
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Responsibilities
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- 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.
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Qualifications
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- 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.
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Preferred Qualifications
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- 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.
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Titles Encouraged to Apply
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- Procurement Manager
- Strategic Sourcing Manager
- Senior Purchasing Manager
- Commodity Manager
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