Strategic Direct Materials Purchasing Team Lead

Integrated Talent Strategies; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Integrated Talent Strategies in Bowling Green, KY is seeking an experienced Purchasing Area Leader to oversee four Buyers handling direct materials. You will develop purchasing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost savings while ensuring timely material availability for production.

The role requires hands-on leadership, steel/materials procurement experience, and a track record of cost reduction and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or strategic sourcing experience in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of four Buyers with performance management.
• Oversee direct materials purchasing to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with cost targets and production needs.
• Manage supplier relationships including selection, negotiations, pricing, and performance.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives and continuous improvement in purchasing.
• Monitor market trends, material pricing, and supply chain risks.
• Partner with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Finance.
• Ensure purchasing meets quality, delivery, inventory, and cost expectations.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, terms, and long-term supplier agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics (on-time delivery, quality, cost, responsiveness).
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes and supplier consolidation.
• Resolve supplier-related issues and address material shortages proactively.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

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

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Integrated Talent Strategies in Bowling Green, KY is seeking an experienced Purchasing Area Leader to oversee four Buyers handling direct materials. You will develop purchasing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost savings while ensuring timely material availability for production.

The role requires hands-on leadership, steel/materials procurement experience, and a track record of cost reduction and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and