Purchasing Supervisor - 1st Shift (Automotive Manufacturing)

Drake Enterprises, Inc.; Clinton Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Drake Enterprises, Inc. is seeking a Purchasing Supervisor to lead procurement and supplier management to ensure timely, cost-effective material and services supply. You will oversee sourcing, negotiation, contracts, and pricing while supporting inventory, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration to drive operational excellence.

The role emphasizes strategic sourcing, supplier development, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing setting. 40–50 hours/week, on-site in Michigan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• 5+ years of purchasing/procurement experience in manufacturing.
• Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full procurement cycle from sourcing to PO execution.
• Supervise daily purchasing activities and develop team members.
• Manage supplier relationships for quality, delivery, and pricing.
• Lead cost savings and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, and Finance on budgets and launches.
• Ensure adherence to policies and compliance.

Skills

Communication

Accountability

Adaptability

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Leadership

Negotiating

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply chain / Business / Finance

5+ years purchasing/procurement experience

Tools

PLEX ERP

Job description

Summary

The Purchasing Supervisor leads procurement and supplier management activities to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and reliable supply of materials and services. This role oversees purchasing operations, negotiates contracts and pricing, supports inventory and budgeting objectives, and works closely with internal teams and suppliers to drive operational success and continuous improvement.

Summary

The Purchasing Supervisor leads procurement and supplier management activities to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and reliable supply of materials and services. This role oversees purchasing operations, negotiates contracts and pricing, supports inventory and budgeting objectives, and works closely with internal teams and suppliers to drive operational success and continuous improvement.

Job Specific Responsibilities

• Oversee the full procurement cycle, including sourcing, supplier selection, negotiation, contract management, and purchase order execution.
• Supervise daily purchasing activities and support the development of purchasing team members.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, delivery, responsiveness, and competitive pricing.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, terms, cost reductions, and supplier cost increases.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Source and qualify new suppliers to support production requirements, new business opportunities, and risk mitigation.
• Oversee material releases, inventory levels, and purchasing activities to support production schedules and inventory turn goals.
• Lead cost savings and continuous improvement initiatives through strategic sourcing and supplier development.
• Support capital equipment and major expenditure purchases, including vendor selection and negotiation.
• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, and Finance to support quotations, new program launches, budgeting, and business objectives.
• Maintain awareness of raw material markets, industry trends, and supply chain risks, particularly related to steel, forgings, and castings.
• Ensure purchasing practices comply with company policies, customer requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cost planning related to materials, suppliers, and capital expenditures.

General Responsibilities

• Adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Follow all safety and MIOSHA requirements.
• Maintain a clean work environment.
• Participate in training and meetings.
• Follow all company Quality, Environmental, Safety, and Standards of Conduct policies.
• Report safety or quality concerns in a timely manner.
• Understand and implement Drake Driven Core Values.

Core Competencies

• Communication
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Business acumen
• Coaching
• Conflict management
• Customer Orientation
• Decision making
• Delegating
• Initiative
• Integrity
• Leadership
• Negotiating
• Planning and organizing
• Problem solving
• Project management
• Quality focus
• Results driven
• Safety awareness
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management
• Writing skills

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, exempt position that typically requires 40–50 hours per week.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply chain, Business, Finance, Operations Management or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of purchasing/procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of forged, cast, machined, and raw material supply chains.
• Experience negotiating contracts, capital equipment purchases, and supplier agreements.
• Knowledge of inventory management, MRP/ERP systems (PLEX is a plus), and supplier performance management.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cost reduction initiatives.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks.
• Physical stamina for production work.

Work Environment

Manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, chemicals, and temperature changes. PPE required