Purchasing Manager

Acara Solutions, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions is seeking a Purchasing Manager to oversee North America procurement, source suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage inventory to meet quality and cost targets. You’ll lead the purchasing team, improve processes, and ensure timely delivery across domestic and international shipments.

The role requires at least 5 years of purchasing experience, supervisory skills, and ERP system proficiency. APICS/CPIM certification is a plus in a growing, globally connected company.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of purchasing experience.
• Previous purchasing management or supervisory experience.
• Experience in the distribution industry.
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Ability to learn, adapt, and work effectively in a growing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the purchasing team, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Develop and improve purchasing processes and strategies to make buying more efficient and cost-effective.
• Manage suppliers and vendors, including researching suppliers, negotiating contracts, monitoring performance, and addressing quality or delivery issues.
• Create and manage purchase orders, place orders for materials and services, and track orders from start to finish.
• Monitor inventory levels and make sure materials are available when needed.
• Look for ways to reduce costs while maintaining quality and on-time delivery.
• Manage domestic and international shipping and help resolve freight or delivery issues.
• Maintain purchasing information, records, and items within the company's ERP system.
• Work closely with Sales, Operations, and other departments to understand material needs and find suitable products or substitutions.
• Monitor market conditions and material availability, and provide reports on costs and purchasing trends.
• Help manage surplus or unused materials and provide backup support to the purchasing team.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Negotiation

Inventory management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

APICS or CPIM certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

About the Opportunity:

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement process of goods and services for North America, including researching suppliers, negotiating contracts, managing inventory levels, and ensuring the best quality products are obtained at the most competitive price, while aligning with company needs and budget constraints; essentially acting as the primary point of contact for sourcing and purchasing materials necessary for business operations.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability
• Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries
• People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work
• Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates

Why This Opportunity is Exciting:

This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Sound like a good fit?

What You'll Do:

• Lead and manage the purchasing team, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Develop and improve purchasing processes and strategies to make buying more efficient and cost-effective.
• Manage suppliers and vendors, including researching suppliers, negotiating contracts, monitoring performance, and addressing quality or delivery issues.
• Create and manage purchase orders, place orders for materials and services, and track orders from start to finish.
• Monitor inventory levels and make sure materials are available when needed.
• Look for ways to reduce costs while maintaining quality and on-time delivery.
• Manage domestic and international shipping and help resolve freight or delivery issues.
• Maintain purchasing information, records, and items within the company's ERP system.
• Work closely with Sales, Operations, and other departments to understand material needs and find suitable products or substitutions.
• Monitor market conditions and material availability, and provide reports on costs and purchasing trends.
• Help manage surplus or unused materials and provide backup support to the purchasing team.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of purchasing experience.
• Previous purchasing management or supervisory experience.
• Previous experience in the distribution industry.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Ability to learn, adapt, and work effectively in a growing environment.

What Sets You Apart:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field.
• APICS or CPIM certification

Additional Information:

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.