Purchasing Manager

AllianceIT Inc; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexibility for hybrid work

Inclusive work environment

Competitive salary

Job summary

A leading solar and electrical solutions provider is seeking a Purchasing Manager to oversee the procurement of materials and supplies for various business units. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating pricing, and coordinating with project management to ensure inventory readiness. Candidates should have over 5 years of purchasing experience in relevant industries and strong negotiation skills. The position is based in St. Paul, MN, with potential for limited hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing experience in solar or electrical industries.
• Proven experience with multi-site operations in businesses exceeding $25M revenue.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a Senior Buyer and additional purchasing professionals.
• Coordinate with project schedules to ensure materials readiness.
• Negotiate advantageous pricing and terms with suppliers.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to manage inventory

Understanding of ERP/MRP techniques

Education

5+ years in purchasing or equivalent experience

Tools

ERP systems

Office Suite

Job description

The Purchasing Manager’s function is to manage supply of procured materials, equipment, and supplies to meet the dynamic demand requirements for all of our business units (Residential, Commercial, Roofing, Service). This includes (but is not limited to) releasing purchase orders to correspond with scheduled projects, monitoring and managing inventory levels for stock materials, and releasing resupply orders as needed. The Purchasing Manager seeks and qualifies new suppliers and materials and establishes and maintains effective relationships with our Supply partners. They are responsible for negotiating advantageous pricing and terms with all suppliers to maintain reliable supply of goods at highly-competitive prices. The Purchasing Manager reports to Vice President Operations.

Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Manage a Senior Buyer and any future additional purchasing professionals.
• Routine coordination with project schedules to ensure materials readiness.
• Routine coordination with the Project Management teams to ensure materials are forecasted and procured-to-order for timely delivery and at delivered costs within budget.
• Serve as backup for the Director of Warehousing/Materials.
• Daily coordination with Warehouse(s) on shortages, inventory adjustments, resupply needs, Kanban management, returned goods, etc.
• Manage the RMA (returned goods) process.
• Collaborates closely with Design and Sales/Marketing teams to identify products appropriate for offering.
• Reschedule requests, expedites, deferrals, and cancellations with suppliers as needed.
• Identifies sources, obtains estimates and planning information for alternative or custom materials.
• Maintains effective working relationships with existing supply partners. Establishes and reviews supplier performance reporting and collaborates to drive continuous improvement.
• Perform BOM (Bill of Material) adjustments as-needed to reflect “as built” projects.
• Perform routine forecast projections of supply and demand of key commodities.
• Manage restocking levels (in concert with Director Warehousing) and inventory levels/valuation.
• Evaluate and manage logistics to, and between, company facilities and customers.
• In conjunction with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), seek new sources or innovative new materials, establish pro-forma pricing as needed, and execute implementation of new products or substitutions while minimizing risk of obsolescence.

Other Duties:

• Other duties and tasks as assigned by management.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Exemplify core values (Safety First, Dependability, Do the Right Thing, and Want to Win).

Skills/Qualifications:

• 5+ years of purchasing experience and knowledge in solar or electrical industries, or equivalent experience and education to be considered.
• Experience with industrial components (preferred).
• Proven experience with multi-site operations in businesses in excess of $25M revenue.
• Thorough understanding of ERP/MRP techniques, Inventory Management, and Lean Manufacturing concepts.
• Outstanding negotiation and communication skills with ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external resources at all levels.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and meeting/goal deadlines.
• Able to travel to satellite offices, suppliers, and industry/supplier expositions as required.
• Proficient computer and essential office skills (Office/Google Suites and ERP)
• Ability to travel to suppliers, trade shows, on a limited basis.
• Ability to work full-time at headquarters/central office (St. Paul, MN), with potential for limited flexible hybrid work environment.