Purchase Manager

Freewill Sports; Jalandhar; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Freewill Sports in Jalandhar, Punjab is seeking an experienced Purchase Manager for raw materials procurement in rubber and chemicals. You will lead strategic sourcing, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure uninterrupted materials supply aligned with production schedules.

Responsibilities include supplier development, price benchmarking, PO management, and collaboration with production, quality, and finance teams. A strong understanding of rubber and chemical markets is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or related field; MBA/PGDM preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience in purchase/procurement, with hands-on rubber and chemical materials.
• Experience with rubber products, tyres, automotive components, polymer or chemical manufacturing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Procure end-to-end raw materials including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, carbon black, silica, rubber chemicals, additives, oils, polymers and other raw materials.
• Identify, evaluate and develop reliable suppliers/vendors; negotiate terms and prices.
• Prepare and release Purchase Orders (POs); ensure timely delivery; coordinate with Production, Stores, Quality, R&D and Finance.
• Monitor raw-material prices, market trends and supplier movements to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Track pending POs, material shortages, delivery delays and take corrective action.

Skills

Vendor development

Negotiation

Rubber markets

Chemicals markets

Inventory planning

MS Excel & ERP

Vendor management

Communication

Analytical skills

Cost optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA/PGDM

Tools

ERP systems

Purchasing software

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Purchase Manager Raw Materials (Rubber & Chemicals)

Department: Purchase / Procurement
Designation: Purchase Manager
Experience: 510 Years
Industry Preference: Rubber / Tyre / Automotive / Polymer / Chemical / Manufacturing
Location: Jalandhar, Punjab

Job Summary:

We are looking for an experienced Purchase Manager with strong expertise in procurement of rubber, chemicals and other manufacturing raw materials. The candidate will be responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier development, price negotiation, cost optimization, inventory planning and ensuring uninterrupted availability of materials as per production requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, carbon black, silica, rubber chemicals, additives, oils, polymers and other raw materials.
• Identify, evaluate and develop reliable suppliers/vendors.
• Negotiate price, quality, payment terms, credit period, MOQ, delivery schedules and commercial terms.
• Monitor raw-material prices, market trends and supplier movements to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Prepare and release Purchase Orders (POs) and ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Coordinate with Production, Stores, Quality, R&D and Finance for material planning and procurement.
• Ensure procurement is aligned with production schedules and maintain optimum inventory levels.
• Develop alternate sources for critical raw materials to minimize supply-chain risks.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on quality, cost, delivery and service.
• Conduct regular supplier negotiations, reviews and performance assessments.
• Ensure purchased materials meet required quality specifications and technical standards.
• Coordinate with Quality/Technical teams regarding rejected, defective or non-conforming materials.
• Maintain proper procurement documentation, vendor records, quotations, comparative statements and purchase data.
• Track pending POs, material shortages, delivery delays and take corrective action.
• Support annual budgeting and procurement cost planning.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, bulk purchasing, vendor consolidation and process improvement.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies and approval procedures.

Key Raw Materials Preferred Experience

Candidates should preferably have hands‑on procurement experience in some/all of the following:

Rubber:
Natural Rubber, Synthetic Rubber, SBR, NBR, EPDM, Butyl Rubber, etc.

Chemicals & Additives:
Carbon Black, Silica, Zinc Oxide, Stearic Acid, Sulphur, Accelerators, Antioxidants, Processing Aids, Plasticizers, Resins, Oils and other rubber-processing chemicals.

Required Skills

• Strong vendor development and negotiation skills
• Good understanding of rubber and chemical raw-material markets
• Knowledge of raw-material pricing and market fluctuations
• Strong commercial and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and vendor-management skills
• Good understanding of inventory and material planning
• Strong follow‑up and problem‑solving abilities
• Proficiency in MS Excel and ERP/Purchase Management systems
• Ability to work under pressure and meet production timelines

Qualification

Education: Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Engineering or a related field.
Preferred: MBA/PGDM in Supply Chain Management, Procurement or Operations.

Candidate Profile

• 5–10 years of relevant experience in Purchase/Procurement.
• Must have hands‑on experience in procurement of rubber and chemical raw materials.
• Experience in rubber products, tyre, automotive components, polymer or chemical manufacturing will be preferred.
• Strong understanding of supplier markets and commercial negotiations.
• Candidates who have independently handled high‑value raw-material procurement will be preferred.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Procurement cost savings
• Timely availability of raw materials
• Supplier performance and development
• Inventory optimization
• Purchase price variance
• Reduction in material shortages
• Quality/rejection rate of purchased materials
• Alternate vendor development
• Adherence to procurement budgets and policies