Head of Procurement

RecruitAbility Ltd; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

RecruitAbility Ltd in Lake Forest, CA, seeks an experienced Head of Procurement to lead a fast-paced, technology-driven manufacturing operation. This hands-on leadership role balances tactical day-to-day purchasing with strategy to improve material availability, supplier performance, and risk management.

The Head of Procurement will supervise Buyers and Senior Buyers, oversee sourcing strategy, MRP-based purchasing, cost management, and supplier relations across electronics, PCBAs, metal

Qualifications

• Experience leading procurement or sourcing teams in tech-driven manufacturing.
• Strong background in electronic components, PCBAs, metal fabrication, or related materials.
• Proven ability to develop and execute sourcing strategies.
• Demonstrated cost management and supplier performance oversight.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Buyers and Senior Buyers; set goals and coach staff.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with material requirements.
• Oversee MRP-based purchasing, planning, and supplier management.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, lead times, and terms with suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance, risk, and KPI development.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Finance.

Skills

Leadership

Procurement

Strategic Sourcing

Supplier Management

MRP-driven Purchasing

Cost Reduction

Negotiation

Analytics

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management / related field

Professional certifications like CPSM, CIPS, CSCP or similar

Tools

MRP software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Head of Procurement to lead procurement operations within a fast-paced, technology-driven manufacturing environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can balance the tactical demands of day-to-day purchasing with the bigger-picture strategy required to strengthen supplier performance, improve material availability, manage risk, and support business growth.

The Head of Procurement will directly lead a team of Buyers and Senior Buyers while overseeing supplier relationships, sourcing strategy, MRP-driven purchasing, cost management, and procurement execution.

The ideal candidate will come from a technology or technically complex manufacturing environment and have experience supporting products involving electronics, electronic components, PCBAs, metal fabrication, and related manufacturing materials.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of approximately four Buyers and Senior Buyers.
• Establish individual and departmental goals, monitor performance, and provide ongoing coaching and development.
• Manage both tactical purchasing activities and broader procurement strategy.
• Develop and execute sourcing and procurement strategies based on current and forecasted material requirements.
• Oversee MRP-based purchasing, planning, and procurement execution.
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and manage suppliers and vendors.
• Support procurement of electronic components, PCBAs, fabricated metal components, and other production materials.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, contracts, commercial terms, and supplier agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and contractual requirements.
• Develop and monitor procurement and supplier KPIs.
• Conduct supplier assessments, performance reviews, and risk evaluations.
• Partner with suppliers to address shortages, delivery issues, quality concerns, and other performance challenges.
• Develop and evaluate supplier recovery, corrective, and preventive action plans.
• Monitor supplier capacity, lead times, market conditions, and potential supply chain disruptions.
• Manage procurement budgets and identify opportunities for cost savings and cost reduction.
• Ensure purchased materials and services meet required specifications, quality standards, and delivery commitments.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Planning, Logistics, and other internal stakeholders.
• Provide visibility into supplier performance, material risks, procurement challenges, and recovery plans.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, sourcing, supply chain, or a related function.
• Previous experience directly managing and developing procurement or supply chain professionals.
• Experience managing Buyers, Senior Buyers, Purchasing Specialists, or similar personnel.
• Ability to operate both tactically and strategically within a procurement organization.
• Experience working within a technology-driven or technically complex manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of electronic components and PCBAs.
• Exposure to metal fabrication, fabricated components, machining, or similar manufacturing processes.
• Experience with MRP-driven purchasing and material planning.
• Strong supplier relationship and supplier performance management experience.
• Experience negotiating supplier pricing, contracts, lead times, and commercial terms.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a highly deadline-driven environment where material availability and delivery commitments are critical.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, CSCP, or similar credentials are a plus.