Purchasing Manager

Jimmy Jazz; Noblesville (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Evolve Transporters is seeking a results-driven Purchasing Manager to lead procurement activities supporting the design, fabrication, manufacturing, and service of premium motorsports transporters and specialty vehicles.

The role focuses on sourcing materials, developing supplier partnerships, managing purchasing processes, and driving cost-saving initiatives; cross-functional leadership is expected across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
• Five+ years of purchasing/procurement/sourcing experience in manufacturing.
• Experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing vendor relationships.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make data-driven decisions.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, negotiate, and manage supplier relationships to support manufacturing, service, and operational requirements.
• Develop qualified primary and secondary suppliers for critical materials and components.
• Lead supplier negotiations for pricing, terms, delivery, quality, and service expectations.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Own and manage the purchase-to-pay process and ensure data integrity in ERP systems.
• Collaborate with Engineering during design to identify cost-effective sourcing solutions.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Supplier Management

Cost Management

Inventory Planning

Data Analysis

ERP/MRP Systems

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Process Improvement

Education

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

Tools

Sage ERP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• Manage Others Yes

Description

About Evolve Transporters

Evolve Transporters is a high-end custom fabrication company with locations in the greater Indianapolis, Indiana and Cleveland, Ohio areas. We partner with some of the largest motorsports teams and brands in the world, designing and fabricating premium race transporters and mobile workspaces. Our success is built on craftsmanship, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

Evolve operates using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a business operating framework that establishes clear expectations, accountability, measurable performance, and alignment around company goals.

We are committed to placing people in roles where they can succeed and contribute at a high level. Employees are expected to understand the responsibilities and outcomes associated with their role, take ownership of commitments, communicate obstacles proactively, and consistently deliver results.

Position Summary

Evolve Transporters is seeking a results-driven Purchasing Manager to lead procurement activities supporting the design, fabrication, manufacturing, and service of premium motorsports transporters and specialty vehicles. The Purchasing Manager will be responsible for sourcing materials and components, developing supplier partnerships, managing purchasing processes, ensuring material availability, driving cost-saving initiatives, and supporting operational excellence across the organization.

This role plays a critical part in supporting production schedules, custom build projects, service operations, and inventory requirements while helping protect margins and ensure successful project execution. The ideal candidate is a strategic and analytical thinker who demonstrates strong critical thinking, sound business judgment, and the ability to make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced custom manufacturing environment.

This position is responsible for strategic procurement, supplier performance, purchasing process ownership, inventory planning, spend management, and cost-savings accountability. While direct people management is not currently required, the role serves as the leader of the purchasing function and is expected to provide influence, accountability, and cross-functional leadership throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Partnerships

• Identify, evaluate, negotiate, and manage supplier relationships to support manufacturing, service, and operational requirements.
• Develop and maintain qualified primary and secondary suppliers for critical materials and components.
• Lead supplier negotiations for pricing, terms, delivery, quality standards, and service expectations.
• Monitor supplier performance through established KPIs and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Proactively identify supply chain risks and develop contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Spend Visibility & Cost Reduction

• Develop visibility into company spending and purchasing trends.
• Drive annual cost reduction and procurement efficiency initiatives.
• Evaluate sourcing decisions based on total cost of ownership, quality, service, and delivery performance.
• Analyze purchasing data and provide recommendations that improve profitability and operational performance.
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities through cost analysis and reporting.

Material Planning & Availability

• Ensure materials and components are available to support production schedules, custom build projects, and service operations.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Project Management, and Service teams to forecast demand and plan material requirements.
• Balance inventory levels to minimize stockouts, excess inventory, and expedited purchases.
• Source fabricated steel, aluminum, electrical, lighting, HVAC, hydraulic, mechanical, and specialty vehicle components required for custom transporter builds.
• Support operations across Indiana and Ohio facilities.

Purchasing Processes, Systems & Controls

• Own and manage the purchase-to-pay process.
• Maintain data integrity within Sage ERP and related purchasing systems.
• Develop, document, and improve purchasing procedures, controls, and approval workflows.
• Support inventory accuracy initiatives, cycle counts, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies and procedures.
• Partner with Engineering during design and development to identify cost-effective sourcing solutions and supplier capabilities.
• Participate in design reviews, bill of material (BOM) reviews, and supplier selection activities for new products and custom projects.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Project Management, and Service teams to support project profitability and customer commitments.
• Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, lead times, and supply chain risks.
• Provide proactive recommendations and market intelligence that support strategic business decisions.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Cost Management & Savings Accountability
• Inventory Planning & Demand Forecasting
• ERP/MRP Systems & Data Analysis
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication
• Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Five (5) or more years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing vendor relationships.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, critical thinking, and decision-making in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Experience in custom fabrication, transportation equipment, trailer manufacturing, specialty vehicles, motorsports, or heavy equipment manufacturing.
• Experience purchasing fabricated materials, mechanical systems, electrical components, hydraulic components, and production-related materials.
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, APICS, or equivalent.
• Experience managing supplier performance metrics and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators

• Material availability and production support
• Inventory turns and inventory accuracy
• Annual cost savings achievement
• Reduction in expedited freight and emergency purchases
• Primarily office-based with regular interaction in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to walk production floors and warehouse areas as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel periodically between Indiana and Ohio facilities and to supplier locations as business needs require.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties, projects, and responsibilities as assigned to support business objectives and operational needs.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required for the position. Responsibilities may be modified or assigned as business needs evolve.

Note: This position does not currently include direct people management responsibilities but does require ownership of procurement strategy, supplier performance, cost-saving initiatives, spend management, and cross-functional leadership throughout the organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Evolve Transporters is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.