Purchasing Supervisor

Socket.dev; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

IEM is seeking a Purchasing Supervisor for our San Antonio, TX location. This role oversees the purchasing department's efficiency and governance, coaching a team and coordinating procurement activities for switchgear programs.

The position is 100% in-office with no remote option. You will help optimize procurement workflows, manage supplier data, and support strategic sourcing while maintaining program-specific requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or operations management or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years purchasing experience in manufacturing.
• Strong communication and organizational skills; cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end purchasing process.
• Coach and supervise the buying team; drive procurement workflow improvements.
• Monitor department KPIs and governance over program requirements.

Skills

Purchasing

Vendor management

Team leadership

Lean principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in business / supply chain / operations management

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

At IEM, we’re not just building innovative electrical distribution systems, we’re shaping the future. IEM is dedicated to delivering world-class solutions for complex power needs. After 75 years, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and make a lasting impact on industries that power the world’s most dynamic markets.

Position Summary

IEM is currently seeking a Purchasing Supervisor for our San Antonio, TX and will report into the Supply Chain Manager.

This role oversees the efficiency, compliance, and coordination of the purchasing department without handling direct buying activity, with a primary focus on switchgear programs. The Purchasing Supervisor coaches and enables the buying team, optimizes procurement workflows, manages supplier data, and supports strategic sourcing while maintaining governance over program-specific requirements.

This position will be based temporarily in NE San Antonio while our new manufacturing plant is coming online. Our permanent location is approximately 25 minutes away at Brooks, 7515 Inner Circle Dr., San Antonio, 78235. The position is also 100% in-office and does not offer remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand and interpret demand requirements to make strategic and informed procurement decisions
• Supervise the end-to-end purchasing process
• Supervise and ensure the successful maintenance of department metrics and KPIs
• Analyze, understand, and quantify risks to the supply chain, and develop mitigation plans and present options to senior management
• Engage and oversee projects with internal and external stakeholders to drive continuous improvement of the procurement process
• Collaborate with internal departments to understand their purchasing needs, resolve supply challenges, and improve material availability
• Analyze vendor performance based on quality, delivery, price, and other data to maintain a strong and sustainable supply chain, and make timely recommendations to support supply chain decisions
• Coordinate nonconformance issues with internal teams and suppliers in a timely manner
• Interface with vendors and build relationships to maintain a high level of support throughout the procurement process
• Supervise a team of assigned buyers
• Flexible and adaptable team player who operates with agility and resourcefulness and thrives in an often-changing environment. You will be operating with a start-up mindset and must be willing to help wherever needed - "not my job" is an unacceptable response.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or operations management from a four-year college or university required, though an equivalent combination of education and work experience will be considered
• At least 3 years of purchasing or buying experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong written and verbal communication and organizational skills, with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization, drive continuous improvement, and apply a fundamental understanding of Lean principles
• Demonstrated career ambition with a track record of growth and increasing responsibility; highly promotable with the potential to take on broader leadership roles within a fast-paced, high-growth organization

Workplace Conditions

Physical Demands

• Activities: Sitting 70%, Walking/Standing 30%
• Lifting: Occasionally lift up to 10 lbs
• Vision: Long periods of close work

Mental Demands

Interpret, analyze, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously

• Activities: Sitting 70%, Walking/Standing 30%

Environment

• Climate-controlled office space

Compensation actually offered for this role will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Why Join IEM

At IEM, you’ll join a team that powers some of the world’s most ambitious projects. We’re engineers, makers, and problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions that keep industries moving forward. If you’re driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Your creativity and passion can help us achieve great things—come be part of the journey.

Learn more about IEM at https://www.iemfg.com

We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and long-term success. View a snapshot of our benefits at https://www.iemfg.com/careers

IEM does not discriminate against any applicant based on any characteristic protected by law.

Information collected and processed as part of your IEM Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to IEM's Workforce Member Privacy Policy.

At IEM, we are committed to a fair and transparent hiring process. Use the link below to view how we use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist in reviewing job applications and your rights as an applicant.

AI Use in IEM's Hiring Process