Director of Purchasing

Aalchem; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunity

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Competitive compensation package

Job summary

Aalchem is seeking an experienced Director of Purchasing to lead global sourcing and procurement strategy. You will partner with Sales, Operations, Logistics, Finance, and Executives to secure the right products, from the right suppliers, at the right cost, while improving the supply chain and competitiveness.

This is an in-office leadership role at Aalchem's Grand Rapids headquarters, with travel as needed to develop supplier relationships and represent Aalchem at events.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of purchasing/procurement experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record negotiating supplier agreements and managing strategic relationships.
• Experience purchasing internationally and with chemicals/industrial raw materials preferred.
• Strong financial, analytical, and business acumen with data-driven decision making.
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies that support growth, profitability, and long-term objectives.
• Lead domestic and international sourcing, negotiating pricing, contracts, and terms.
• Build and manage long-term supplier relationships, identifying new opportunities.
• Evaluate supplier performance and mitigate supply chain risk with contingency plans.
• Monitor market conditions, freight, tariffs, and currency fluctuations affecting decisions.
• Develop inventory strategies balancing service, investment, and working capital.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Logistics, Finance to align purchasing plans.
• Lead the Purchasing team with clear KPIs and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins and efficiency via technology and data.
• Support ERP/purchasing system enhancements and maintain accurate data.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic sourcing

Supplier negotiations

Data-driven decisions

Financial acumen

ERP experience

Excel skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

At Aalchem, we know that great supplier partnerships are the foundation of great customer relationships. We're looking for an experienced purchasing leader who can think strategically, build strong global partnerships, and help drive the next phase of our company's growth.

As our Director of Purchasing, you'll lead Aalchem's global sourcing and procurement strategy while partnering closely with Sales, Operations, Logistics, Finance, and Executive Leadership. You'll be responsible for ensuring we have the right products, from the right suppliers, at the right time and at the right cost—while continuously improving our supply chain, supporting our customers, and strengthening our competitive position.

This is an in-office leadership position based at our Grand Rapids headquarters.

What You'll Do

As Director of Purchasing, you'll provide both strategic leadership and day-to-day direction for Aalchem's purchasing function. Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies that support company growth, profitability, and long-term business objectives.
• Lead domestic and international sourcing initiatives, negotiating supplier pricing, contracts, payment terms, and strategic agreements.
• Build, strengthen, and manage long-term relationships with suppliers while identifying new sourcing opportunities that create value for the business.
• Evaluate supplier performance, monitor quality and service levels, and develop contingency plans to reduce supply chain risk.
• Monitor global market conditions, freight costs, tariffs, currency fluctuations, and other factors that impact purchasing decisions.
• Develop inventory strategies that balance customer service, inventory investment, and working capital while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Operations, Logistics, Customer Service, and Finance to anticipate demand and align purchasing strategies with business needs.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Purchasing team by establishing clear expectations, key performance indicators, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to improve gross margins, reduce costs, streamline purchasing processes, and enhance operational efficiency through technology and data-driven decision making.
• Support ERP and purchasing system enhancements while maintaining accurate purchasing data, reporting, and documentation.
• Travel domestically and internationally, as needed, to develop supplier relationships, evaluate sourcing opportunities, and represent Aalchem at industry events.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who enjoys building relationships, making informed business decisions, and finding opportunities to improve how things are done.

The ideal candidate will have:

• 8+ years of purchasing or procurement experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success negotiating supplier agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Experience purchasing internationally.
• Experience sourcing chemicals, industrial raw materials, or working with suppliers throughout Asia is strongly preferred.
• Strong financial, analytical, and business acumen with the ability to use data to make sound decisions.
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to lead through collaboration, develop high-performing teams, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

Why Aalchem?

At Aalchem, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing, privately owned company where your ideas are valued and your contributions make a difference. You'll work alongside an experienced leadership team, influence strategic decisions, and help shape the future of our global supply chain.

We offer a competitive compensation package, bonus opportunity, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and the opportunity to grow with a company that believes strong relationships—both with our customers and our employees—are the key to long-term success.

If you're ready to lead strategically, build world-class supplier partnerships, and make a measurable impact on our business, we'd love to hear from you.