Strategic Purchasing Lead – Manufacturing

Century Furniture LLC; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Century Furniture LLC is seeking a Purchasing Agent at its Hickory, NC facility to oversee sourcing, supplier relations, and cost management for multiple product lines. You will coordinate with Production, Engineering, Product Development, and Sales to align requirements with supplier capabilities.

The role requires strong organizational skills, proactive communication, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. Manufacturing experience is valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Operations, or related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of six years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Furniture or manufacturing industry experience preferred.
• Experience with domestic and international suppliers preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings in electronic or hard-copy format.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, email, and web-based business applications.
• Experience with SAP or another ERP/purchasing system is a plus.
• APICS, Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), or other relevant procurement/supply chain certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities for assigned materials, products, categories, and projects.
• Cross functional meetings with Production, Engineering, Product Development, and Sales to understand product requirements and specifications.
• Request, review, and evaluate supplier quotations for new and existing products and materials.
• Work with suppliers to obtain competitive pricing, appropriate lead times, and reliable delivery.
• Issue, maintain, and update purchase orders and contracts to support production and business needs.
• Monitor open purchase orders and proactively follow up with suppliers to ensure materials arrive on schedule to avoid inventory gaps.
• Expedite orders when necessary and communicate potential delays or supply concerns to internal teams.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
• Communicate specifications, quality expectations, schedules, and other requirements clearly to suppliers.
• Support supplier selection and development while helping identify opportunities for improved cost, quality, service, and delivery.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to resolve order, receiving, invoice, return, and supplier-related issues.
• Process and resolve supplier chargebacks and purchasing discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Support cost-control efforts by monitoring pricing, managing changes, and identifying potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of supplier quotations, purchasing decisions, projects, pricing, and purchase orders.
• Provide internal teams with timely updates regarding supplier performance, projects, materials, and purchase order status.
• Train and assist suppliers with the proper use of CenturySupplierNet.com.
• Follow and communicate Century Furniture purchasing policies and procedures.
• Maintain awareness of global supply chain conditions and their potential impact on cost, availability, and lead times.
• Conduct all supplier relationships and purchasing activities professionally, ethically, and with a high degree of integrity and confidentiality.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a schedule-driven environment with a strong sense of urgency.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Communication

Problem-solving

Reading drawings

Education

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

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Century Furniture LLC is seeking a Purchasing Agent at its Hickory, NC facility to oversee sourcing, supplier relations, and cost management for multiple product lines. You will coordinate with Production, Engineering, Product Development, and Sales to align requirements with supplier capabilities.

The role requires strong organizational skills, proactive communication, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. Manufacturing experience is valued.