Purchasing Manager

Tailwind Applied Sciences; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Tailwind Applied Sciences is seeking a Purchasing Manager to lead procurement and sourcing, negotiate contracts, and drive cost efficiencies across our supply chain. You will manage vendor relationships, develop purchasing strategies, and mentor a high-performing team.

The role emphasizes strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and alignment with budgets and financial goals to support operational success.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management.
• Strong negotiation skills with proven success in discounts and favorable terms.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, bulk purchasing, and centralized procurement.
• Excellent vendor relationship management and trust-based partnerships.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing initiatives to reduce costs and improve purchasing efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for bulk purchasing, centralized procurement, and supply chain optimization.
• Analyze market trends, pricing, and supplier capabilities to support informed purchasing decisions.
• Coordinate with operations, logistics, and other departments to ensure uninterrupted supply and effective inventory management.
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and service performance.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, volume discounts, and terms.
• Establish preferred vendor programs and long-term supplier partnerships.
• Monitor purchasing expenditures and identify opportunities for cost savings and improvements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop purchasing team members.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Strategic planning

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management/BBA or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the company's procurement and sourcing activities to ensure the timely acquisition of goods and services at the best overall value. This role oversees vendor relationships, negotiates contracts and pricing agreements, develops purchasing strategies, and manages a high-performing purchasing team. The Purchasing Manager plays a critical role in controlling costs, improving supply chain efficiency, and supporting the organization's operational and financial objectives.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing initiatives to reduce costs and improve purchasing efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for bulk purchasing, centralized procurement, and supply chain optimization.
• Analyze market trends, pricing, and supplier capabilities to support informed purchasing decisions.
• Coordinate with operations, logistics, and other departments to ensure uninterrupted supply and effective inventory management.
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and service performance.

Negotiation & Cost Management

• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, volume discounts, payment terms, and service agreements.
• Establish preferred vendor programs and long-term supplier partnerships.
• Conduct competitive bidding processes and request-for-proposal (RFP) activities to maximize value.
• Monitor purchasing expenditures and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements.
• Ensure purchasing decisions align with company budgets and financial objectives.
• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key supplier partnerships.
• Foster a fair, honest, and transparent procurement process.
• Resolve supplier performance issues and disputes professionally and effectively.
• Evaluate vendor performance through regular reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop purchasing team members.
• Foster a collaborative and team-oriented environment focused on continuous improvement.
• Share knowledge, best practices, and industry insights to strengthen team capabilities.
• Provide training and coaching based on professional experience and industry expertise.
• Establish performance expectations and hold team members accountable for achieving departmental goals.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management.
• Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated success in securing volume discounts, favorable payment terms, preferred vendor agreements, and competitive pricing.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, including bulk purchasing, centralized procurement, and supply chain logistics.
• Excellent vendor relationship management skills with the ability to develop trust-based partnerships.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a professional, approachable demeanor.
• Demonstrated honesty, integrity, and fairness in vendor and internal business relationships.
• Proven leadership and team management experience with a focus on mentoring, coaching, and employee development.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in purchasing systems, Microsoft Office, and ERP platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field.
• Experience managing procurement operations in a multi-site or high-volume environment.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, or CSCP are a plus.