Purchasing Manager

Applied Engineering - Yankton, SD

Full-time - Manager

Yankton, SD

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

The Purchasing Manager at Applied Engineering is a pivotal member of the strategic leadership team, tasked with guiding the organization towards achieving its overarching goals and objectives while fostering business growth and development. This role encompasses the oversight of purchasing, receiving, shipping, and warehousing operations, with a focus on maximizing resource utilization and capability within the facility. The Purchasing Manager is responsible for ensuring that the purchasing team collaborates effectively with all departments, leading and directing the work of assigned reports, and engaging in resource planning. The position also emphasizes the implementation of lean practices and the pursuit of operational excellence across all functions. In this role, the Purchasing Manager is expected to operate in alignment with the company’s Quality Management System and adhere to customer certifications and flow-down requirements pertinent to the position. Leadership is a key component, as the manager must communicate strategic plans, provide constructive feedback, and assist in resolving issues while establishing a robust organizational structure. The manager will oversee production activities related to the purchasing department, which includes setting priorities, scheduling, and addressing production flow inhibitors to ensure continuous improvement. The Purchasing Manager will also be responsible for staffing within the department, which involves scheduling, cross-training, interviewing, hiring, and conducting performance evaluations. Establishing and achieving measurable departmental goals that align with the company’s objectives is crucial. The role requires maintaining professional and technical knowledge through participation in educational workshops and reviewing relevant publications, all while implementing cost-effective strategies to enhance company effectiveness. Additionally, the manager will coordinate the launch of new or revised products and processes, ensuring compliance with all departmental policies and procedures at all times.

Responsibilities

• Oversee purchasing, receiving, shipping, and warehousing operations to maximize resource utilization.
• Ensure the purchasing team collaborates effectively with all departments.
• Lead and direct the work of assigned reports and engage in resource planning.
• Implement lean practices and achieve operational excellence.
• Operate in alignment with the company’s Quality Management System and customer certifications.
• Provide leadership, communicate strategic plans, and assist in resolving issues.
• Manage production activities related to the purchasing department, including establishing priorities and scheduling.
• Oversee department staffing requirements, including scheduling, cross-training, and performance evaluations.
• Create and achieve departmental measurables that support overall company objectives.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge through education workshops and publications.
• Assist in developing equipment and operations for optimal resource utilization.
• Negotiate pricing contracts for products and services.
• Identify and implement new process technologies and methods to improve quality and capacity.
• Coordinate and launch new or revised products and processes.
• Ensure compliance with all departmental policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Four-year degree in business or procurement field.
• Four years of relevant work experience in a management/supervisor environment.
• Strong internal and external communication skills.
• Proficiency in procurement practices.
• Understanding of AS/ISO and EAR/ITAR requirements is preferred.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision after initial training.
• Demonstrated leadership and excellent work ethic.
• Experience with ERP systems and continuous improvement initiatives is preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to teach and train others in a coaching or mentoring role.
• Maintain confidentiality of customer and company information.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with ERP systems.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with manufacturing safety practices.

Benefits

• Competitive wages and benefits.