Manager, Purchasing

CDW; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

CDW, headquartered in Vernon Hills, IL, seeks a Manager, Purchasing to lead the procurement of hardware, services, and software for drop ship and inventory operations. You will drive cost-effective strategies and manage a team, partnering with Sales, IT, Product Management, and Finance to meet company objectives.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's degree with 6+ years in purchasing (or 10+ years) and at least 1 year of people management; strong negotiation, analytics, and MS Office skills are

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required and 6 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or pricing
• OR 10 years of experience in purchasing, procurement or pricing
• 1 year of experience managing people

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain strategic purchasing initiatives and associated goals to meet corporate objectives.
• Drive service level expectations with our suppliers and address those who are not meeting expectations.
• Review current procedures to ensure consistency across the function and optimal execution.
• Enhance internal and external customer and vendor relationships.
• Maintain open communication and effective partnerships with all internal stakeholders cross-functionally.
• Lead and develop team member skill sets to ensure capabilities can effectively achieve results.
• Identify areas of process improvements, recommend and implement appropriate changes.
• Establish primary suppliers for all product lines.
• Manage our daily inventory goals, back-orders, aging inventory, buy-ins, and RFP practice.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Strategic planning

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

The Purchasing management team partners with Sales, IT, Product Management, and Finance to ensure company and department strategies are achieved. The Manager, Purchasing leads the purchasing process of hardware, service and software items for both the Drop Ship and Inventory practice. This incumbent is a leader within the purchasing department, responsible for increasing drop ship/inventory efficiency and activities related to cost-effective procurement strategies to achieve company objectives. This role manages a team of individuals to ensure the achievement of purchasing goals and developing close partner relationships.

What you will do

• Implement and maintain strategic purchasing initiatives and associated goals to meet corporate objectives.

• Drive service level expectations with our suppliers and address those who are not meeting expectations.

• Review current procedures to ensure consistency across the function and optimal execution.

• Enhance internal and external customer and vendor relationships.

• Maintain open communication and effective partnerships with all internal stakeholders cross-functionally.

• Lead and develop team member skill sets to ensure capabilities can effectively achieve results.

• Identify areas of process improvements, recommend and implement appropriate changes.

• Establish primary suppliers for all product lines.

• Manage our daily inventory goals, back-orders, aging inventory, buy-in's, and RFP practice.

What we expect of you

• Bachelor's degree required and 6 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or pricing

• OR 10 years of experience in purchasing, procurement or pricing

• 1 year of experience managing people

Preferred skills, experience, and qualities needed

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact at all levels including

• senior leadership.

• History of strong analytical, negotiation, and strategic planning skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Demonstrated project management skills.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong partner relationships.

• Strong ability to multitask and identify priorities.

• Advanced knowledge of the purchasing process.

• Flexibility to manage competing priorities and shift focus as determined by the changing needs of the business.

• Experience in the technology industry.

• History of building partnering relationships with top technology manufacturers and distribution partners.

• Working knowledge of Supply Chain Management.

Pay

Pay range: $113,000 - $158,800 depending on experience and skill set

Annual bonus target of 10% subject to terms and conditions of plan

Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/

Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials

CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization

As a leader, you will champion and be accountable for our vision of becoming an AI-fluent organization. We expect leaders to model curiosity, encourage responsible AI adoption, and foster a culture of continuous learning. You don't need deep technical expertise, but you should be comfortable exploring how AI can enhance strategy, decision-making, and team performance. Your role includes guiding others in building confidence and capability with AI tools and practices, while promoting openness to experimentation and shared learning.

Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that's curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what's possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice.

About Us

CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what's possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn't just what we do-it's how we do it. At CDW we act as one-building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win-focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward-staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That's why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees-working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities.

As a fullstack, fulllifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what's next.

Together, we Make Amazing Happen.

CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.