Strategic Procurement & Materials Leader

Barry-Wehmiller; Arkansas; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

BW Papersystems, part of the Barry-Wehmiller Group, seeks a Procurement & Materials Leader to drive procurement strategy, supplier management, and inventory optimization across manufacturing operations. This hands-on leader balances strategic direction with day-to-day execution to meet customer commitments and schedules.

The role emphasizes Lean principles, root cause problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration with operations, engineering, planning, stores, finance, and sourcing to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in procurement, purchasing, materials management, or supply chain roles within a manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of leadership experience leading procurement, purchasing, or supply chain teams.
• Experience in discrete manufacturing required.
• Experience in engineered-to-order manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading purchasing or procurement teams in a hands-on leadership capacity.
• Strong supplier negotiation, relationship management, and commercial business experience.
• Experience driving Lean, visual management, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and balance strategic thinking with operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of buyers while remaining actively engaged in procurement and supplier management activities as needed.
• Serve as a player/coach by supporting critical purchasing activities, supplier escalations, shortage recovery efforts, and expedited material requirements.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
• Support team development through mentorship, knowledge sharing, cross-training, and hands-on coaching.
• Build organizational capability by reducing single points of failure within supplier, commodity, and purchasing responsibilities.
• Establish and maintain team operations through regular performance reviews, buyer development discussions, supplier reviews, and operational performance discussions.
• Lead by example through active participation in problem-solving and execution during periods of operational risk or increased workload.

Skills

Leadership

Procurement strategy

Supplier management

Negotiation

Lean

Cross-functional collaboration

Inventory management

Education

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

Job description

BW Papersystems, part of the Barry-Wehmiller Group, seeks a Procurement & Materials Leader to drive procurement strategy, supplier management, and inventory optimization across manufacturing operations. This hands-on leader balances strategic direction with day-to-day execution to meet customer commitments and schedules.

The role emphasizes Lean principles, root cause problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration with operations, engineering, planning, stores, finance, and sourcing to