PURCHASING MANAGER

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About Lincotek Group: headquartered in Rubbiano, Parma, Italy, it is a global contract manufacturer with a strong presence in Industrial Gas Turbines, Aerospace, Medical Device applications, industrial coating equipment, and additive manufacturing. The Group employs more than 1,800 people across 18 production facilities worldwide.

About the job

The Purchasing Manager reports directly to the Operations Manager and manages the purchasing function at Lincotek Rubbiano. The role ensures timely, quality‑driven procurement of materials, components, and services to meet production needs and cost efficiency goals. It also supports the Surface Solutions division with improvement projects and strategic sourcing initiatives.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies for key product categories.
• Negotiate contracts, commercial terms, and framework agreements with suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with delivery schedules, quality standards, cost constraints, contractual obligations, and company policies.
• Monitor and analyse market trends and manage associated risks.
• Manage the full procurement cycle – from request for quotation, order issuance, confirmation, to delivery monitoring, returns management, and claims handling.
• Collaborate with Logistics to optimise inventory levels and monitor KPI performance related to stock rotation.
• Oversee the management of material and supplier master data within the ERP system.
• Monitor, analyse and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the purchasing function to senior management.
• Align the purchasing function with the company’s objectives related to quality, safety, and sustainability.
• Manage the selection, qualification and development of suppliers in collaboration with the QA team.
• Support international entities within the Surface Solutions division in developing and implementing divisional purchasing strategies.
• Foster the adoption of best practices within the purchasing function, promoting standardisation and efficiency across the division.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of approved supplier lists and cross‑functional supplier evaluation criteria.
• Provide technical expertise on the procurement of critical materials and services, supporting group‑wide initiatives.
• Participate in strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation and cost optimisation initiatives at the divisional level.
• Track and share information on key raw material markets and major risk trends impacting the group.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing between plants on supplier relations, pricing strategies, procurement methodologies and management tools.
• Support the alignment and evolution of procurement processes within the group’s ERP systems.
• Contribute to global projects and initiatives related to sustainability and operational excellence within the purchasing function.

Supervisory Responsibility

Direct management of the Purchasing team.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Engineering or related fields.
• Minimum five years of experience in purchasing roles within structured manufacturing environments.
• Experience within global or multinational companies is highly desirable.
• Experience in automotive, electronics, power or oil & gas sectors.
• Proven operational management experience within the purchasing function.
• Experience with multi‑site purchasing function development and improvement projects is an advantage.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (SAP mandatory).
• Familiarity with Lean methodologies applied to Supply Chain operations.

Skills

• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Excellent continuous improvement and cost optimisation mindset.
• Strong analytical skills for data‑driven decision making.
• Proven ability to work cross‑functionally and collaboratively within multi‑site environments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• High standards of integrity and professionalism.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken); ability to work in international environments.

Work Environment

• Primarily office‑based with frequent interaction with production, logistics and staff departments.
• Occasional in‑person meetings with other divisional entities (both remote and on‑site).

Physical Demands

• Extensive computer use; requires travel to suppliers and other company sites.

Position Type / Expected Hours

• Full‑time, Monday through Friday, with flexibility based on business needs.

Travel Requirements

• Frequent travel to Surface Solutions division sites, particularly in Hickory, NC, and to supplier visits depending on project needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Lincotek provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law.