Purchasing Area Leader

Integrated Talent Strategies; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Integrated Talent Strategies in Bowling Green, KY is seeking an experienced Purchasing Area Leader to oversee four Buyers handling direct materials. You will develop purchasing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost savings while ensuring timely material availability for production.

The role requires hands-on leadership, steel/materials procurement experience, and a track record of cost reduction and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or strategic sourcing experience in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of four Buyers with performance management.
• Oversee direct materials purchasing to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with cost targets and production needs.
• Manage supplier relationships including selection, negotiations, pricing, and performance.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives and continuous improvement in purchasing.
• Monitor market trends, material pricing, and supply chain risks.
• Partner with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Finance.
• Ensure purchasing meets quality, delivery, inventory, and cost expectations.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, terms, and long-term supplier agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics (on-time delivery, quality, cost, responsiveness).
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes and supplier consolidation.
• Resolve supplier-related issues and address material shortages proactively.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Purchasing Area Leader to lead and oversee a team of four Buyers responsible for the procurement of direct materials. This individual will play a key role in developing purchasing strategies, managing supplier relationships, driving cost savings, and ensuring the timely availability of materials to support production and business objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in direct material purchasing, with experience in steel procurement highly preferred. Automotive industry experience is also a plus. This leader must be a hands-on manager who can develop their team while driving supplier performance, cost competitiveness, and supply chain efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of four Buyers, providing direction, coaching, and performance management.
• Oversee purchasing activities for direct materials to ensure uninterrupted production and operational efficiency.
• Develop and execute purchasing strategies that align with business objectives, cost targets, and production requirements.
• Manage supplier relationships, including supplier selection, negotiations, pricing agreements, and performance management.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives, productivity improvements, and continuous improvement within the purchasing function.
• Monitor market trends, material pricing, and supply chain risks to identify opportunities and mitigate potential disruptions.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to support business needs.
• Ensure purchasing activities meet quality, delivery, inventory, and cost expectations.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, payment terms, and long-term supplier agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics, including on-time delivery, quality, cost, and responsiveness.
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes, supplier consolidation, and overall procurement efficiency.
• Resolve supplier-related issues and proactively address material shortages or delivery challenges.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or strategic sourcing, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience purchasing direct materials is required.
• Prior experience leading, supervising, or developing a purchasing team preferred.
• Steel purchasing or metals procurement experience strongly preferred.
• Automotive industry experience preferred.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and cost-reduction experience.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and purchasing processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership abilities.