Manager, Purchasing

dfa; Minnesota; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

dfa in Minnesota is seeking a Procurement Manager to lead a team of buyers and procurement staff, oversee sourcing, and ensure timely delivery while complying with policies.

You will drive vendor negotiations, optimize inventory, monitor KPIs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams on purchasing plans.

This role requires 5–8 years of procurement leadership, a undergrad in a related field, and strong negotiation and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field and 5–8 years in procurement.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience in a purchasing team.
• Strong negotiation and analytical abilities with vendor management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee purchasing process from sourcing to delivery and direct staff.
• Monitor requisitions, sources, quotes, terms and purchase orders.
• Expedite orders to meet schedule changes and ensure supply.
• Negotiate favorable terms with suppliers and manage vendor relations.
• Maintain inventory levels and monitor procurement KPIs.
• Prepare procurement metrics and report to leadership.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Leadership

Vendor management

Analytical skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in supply chain management

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

General Purpose:

Manage a team of production planners, purchasing specialists/buyers and/or support staff engaged in purchasing, receiving, and controlling materials, supplies, and services. Manage the purchasing process from requisition to receipt, ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Manage vendor and supplier relationships. Establish department procedures and guidelines to ensure the timely delivery of goods and services that meet company needs in a cost-effective manner. Manage the production planning and inventory control process including inventory adjustments, material transfers, and cycle counts.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the purchasing process from sourcing to delivery, ensuring compliance with DFA policies and standards. Provide work direction to staff in the purchasing department
• Monitor and review purchase requisitions, supply sources, supplies, quotations, terms, purchase orders, etc.
• Expedite orders where required to ensure constant supply against schedule changes
• Serve as the escalation point for invoice issues, shipping errors, late deliveries, replacement of materials not meeting company specifications, and cancellation of orders; keep stakeholders updated throughout the process
• Ensure appropriate inventory levels are attained and managed, meeting or exceeding procurement and inventory key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, conducting regular performance reviews to ensure alignment with company standards
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms and pricing agreements while maintaining strong vendor relationships
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand purchasing requirements and develop purchasing plans
• Monitor market trends and industry developments to identify potential risks and opportunities for cost savings or process improvements. Recommend and take corrective actions
• Recommend major purchases of materials on the basis of anticipated changes in prices or unusual availability situations
• Oversee the purchasing budget and track expenses to ensure adherence to financial targets
• Ensure procurement records, such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories, are accurate and up-to-date
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting key procurement and raw material inventory metrics, trends, and recommendations
• Implement tools and systems to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance visibility into purchasing, inventory control and production planning activities
• Lead, mentor, and develop purchasing staff. Hire, train new staff members, and supervise and evaluate job performance of department staff
• Participate in continuous improvement projects and discussions and provide input into procurement, inventory control and production planning strategies
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.Other duties may be assigned as required

Travel:

5%-15% (1-3 times per year)

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in accounting, business, economics, supply chain management or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 5 to 8 years of procurement, purchasing, buyer, supply chain management, finance, or related experience coupled with demonstrated leadership attributes, team leadership, or supervisory experience; 1+ year of management experience preferred
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of procurement best practices, sourcing strategies, the supply chain, and contract negotiation techniques; strong knowledge of vendor product, services, and reliability
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Able to multitask, prioritize workloads, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Able to lead a team to achieve departmental goals
• Able to organize time, energy, and resources effectively to achieve goals (i.e., organizational skills)
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans