Director, Purchasing

Knorr-Bremse Group - Westminster, MD

Full-time - Director

Westminster, MD

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Director of Purchasing at Knorr Brake Company is responsible for providing strategic and tactical leadership in project purchasing. This role involves collaborating with internal business partners to ensure the procurement of materials, supplies, and services that meet technical requirements, are delivered on time, and provide the best value. The Director will oversee the Purchasing Department, manage key performance indicators related to the supply chain, and develop strategic sourcing strategies aligned with enterprise goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level management of the Purchasing Department, including direct management of Buyers and Managers.
• Oversee the financial, service, and quality metrics of the third-party supply chain, including KPIs such as Cost, Supplier On-Time Delivery, Supplier Quality, and Inventory.
• Develop and implement a commodity-based strategic sourcing and supplier development strategy.
• Evaluate strategies or opportunities and assess business and legal risks.
• Ensure compliance with established rules, regulations, and policies throughout the procurement process.
• Monitor compliance with corporate policies and US/international procurement regulations, as well as ISO and IRIS Standards.
• Develop purchasing databases and performance measurements.
• Report on market trends, pricing, and product developments to executive leadership.
• Interface with supplier management to resolve issues and control costs.
• Collaborate with other departments to achieve common goals, including Operations, Supplier Quality, Engineering, and Finance.
• Participate in Strategic Planning and Mid-term Operational Planning.
• Drive continuous improvement of SIOP processes in conjunction with various teams.
• Serve as a liaison to the Knorr Bremse Global Supply Base Organization and support strategy definitions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a relevant degree program.
• 8+ years of experience with demonstrated management experience.
• Strong supply chain purchasing skills and knowledge.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of large MRP computer systems.
• Leadership skills, including fostering teamwork and professional development.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Effective organization and time management skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities.
• Results-oriented mindset.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the manufacturing industry.
• Familiarity with ISO standards and compliance regulations.

Benefits

• Competitive Health Benefits including Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, and Virtual visits.
• Company-paid Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance.
• Company-paid Short-Term Disability Coverage.
• Voluntary life, Disability, and other Supplemental coverages.
• Identity Theft and Legal Protection benefits.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Health Savings Accounts.
• Generous 401(k) plan.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Free corporate passes to the Baltimore Zoo and Aquarium.
• Free gym membership.
• Additional discounts on cellular, auto, theme park tickets, local restaurants, and bank partnerships.
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• Paid "KBC Cares" Volunteer Time Off.
• 12 company-paid holidays including a full week between Christmas and New Year's.
• Monthly employee welfare events and corporate outreach activities.