Purchasing Manager

Aston Carter - Wausau, WI

Full-time - Entry Level

Wausau, WI

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Purchasing Manager at Aston Carter is responsible for developing and implementing purchasing strategies and best practices to ensure effective procurement processes. This role involves collaborating with various teams to manage the flow of materials, leading supply reviews, evaluating vendor performance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The Purchasing Manager will also oversee inventory accuracy, negotiate with suppliers, and manage risks associated with procurement to support production schedules.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies, procedures, and best practices.
• Work with Managers, Schedulers, and Project Managers to balance the flow of materials and supplies.
• Lead effective monthly supply reviews to support meeting customer demand.
• Lead the identification of risks and opportunities for complex proposals and Supply Chain matters.
• Coach and mentor team members responsible for the execution of day-to-day transactional procurement and supplier performance management for effectiveness.
• Drive effective change management and communication activities for new and changing Supply Chain policies and procedures.
• Evaluate vendor performance to ensure lowest cost, highest quality, and timely deliveries.
• Build, maintain and report a monthly KPI and progress dashboard including reporting to executive leadership.
• Oversee inventory levels and accuracy via cycle-count activities.
• Conduct quarterly business reviews with strategic suppliers.
• Negotiate and establish standard costs with suppliers.
• Foster a strong culture of Continuous Improvement philosophies: Managing performance, training and career development of 3-5 direct reports.
• Manage risks associated with sole source suppliers and identifying potential second source suppliers.
• Accountable for ensuring that production can run as scheduled through effective and timely procurement and supplier performance, avoiding any service issues related to raw materials, packaging, and supplies.
• Work with the plant to validate material usage and control to ensure consumption of materials includes any breakage, spoilage, or other factors influencing inventory.
• Manage supplier risk relating to quality, cost, and delivery.
• Manage supplier relations and negotiate contracts, prices, timelines, etc.
• Maintain purchasing records, and related documentation.
• Attend & participate in financial meetings to understand spend category trouble areas.
• Receive and analyze quotes and bids for relative prices and consistency with specifications.
• Coach and train business and purchasing team on policies and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred, Associate degree or industry certifications with commensurate experience in related field required.
• Supervisory and management experience preferred.
• Deep knowledge of inventory and supply chain management.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong critical thinking and negotiation skills.
• Proficient planning, problem solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Effective ERP and Microsoft Excel skills.