Purchasing Manager

Kolberg-Pioneer - Chattanooga, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Chattanooga, TN

Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers

About the position

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement of materials and supplies essential for manufacturing heavy equipment. This role ensures timely delivery of goods to meet production schedules, participates in vendor selection, and manages purchasing processes to secure competitive costs and quality products. The Purchasing Manager also supervises record maintenance related to purchases and vendor interactions, while staying informed about market trends and pricing changes to support the company's strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies.
• Manage daily purchasing activities, supervise staff, and allocate tasks.
• Manage supplier relations and negotiate contracts, prices, and timelines.
• Coordinate with inventory control to determine and manage inventory.
• Work to improve purchasing systems and processes.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the procurement process.
• Determine appropriate terms for various types of procurement; review requisitions/purchase orders and related documents for records maintenance, completeness, accuracy, and compliance with procedures.
• Conduct and/or manage vendor evaluations, offers, and contracts in accordance with policies and regulations.
• Ensure vendors deliver materials and services according to agreed standards of price, time, quantity, and quality.
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure effective procurement of goods and services.
• Incorporate best practices and market research into procurement practices.
• Set work objectives, supervise staff, and review assignments.
• Coach, train, and evaluate performance of assigned staff.
• Plan, organize, control, and evaluate the work of the Purchasing department.
• Provide high-level technical/administrative guidance on work requirements and methods.
• Manage time and forecast purchasing requirements to ensure uninterrupted production schedule.
• Maintain proper balance of inventory and just-in-time deliveries.
• Review freight charges by suppliers based on set schedules.
• Follow and support all company policies and procedures, including safety operations.
• Assure compliance with applicable governance policies, regulations, and laws.
• Communicate with individuals at all levels within the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 12 years of purchasing/procurement management experience in a heavy manufacturing industry.
• 12 years of experience with computers, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics AX.
• 12 years of experience reading and interpreting blueprints and bills of material (BOM's).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent analytical problem-solving, organizational, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, and sound judgment.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and collaboratively with various departments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced certifications in procurement or related fields.
• Experience with lean methodologies and continuous process improvement.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities