Strategic Purchasing Lead – Manufacturing

Steele Solutions Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Steele Solutions Inc. in Milwaukee, WI is seeking a Purchasing Supervisor to lead the purchasing team and ensure material availability and supplier performance.

The role focuses on cost competitiveness, strategic sourcing and alignment with production schedules to meet customer commitments. The successful candidate will manage sourcing activities, negotiate contracts, and drive continuous improvement across purchasing processes while partnering with Operations, Engineering and Finance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with the Steel industry highly preferred.
• Experience with Epicor ERP is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop purchasing team members by establishing priorities and fostering accountability.
• Perform hands-on purchasing activities including sourcing, RFQs, purchase orders, and order management.
• Lead purchasing-related projects from planning through implementation with stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement to improve processes, supplier performance, cost and service levels.
• Serve as the escalation point for material shortages, pricing discrepancies and supplier concerns.
• Ensure timely sourcing and delivery of materials that meet quality expectations.
• Monitor supplier performance on quality, delivery, cost, and service; implement corrective actions.
• Develop and communicate purchasing KPIs and cost-savings analytics.
• Analyze demand trends, inventory levels and market conditions to identify material needs and cost-saving opportunities.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, contracts, and terms to secure reliable supply.
• Partner with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Quality, Finance to align purchasing with business objectives.
• Identify supply risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions.
• Maintain accurate supplier data and purchasing records for reporting.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Supplier management

Negotiation

Project management

Process improvement

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain or related field

Tools

Epicor

Job description

Steele Solutions Inc. in Milwaukee, WI is seeking a Purchasing Supervisor to lead the purchasing team and ensure material availability and supplier performance.

The role focuses on cost competitiveness, strategic sourcing and alignment with production schedules to meet customer commitments. The successful candidate will manage sourcing activities, negotiate contracts, and drive continuous improvement across purchasing processes while partnering with Operations, Engineering and Finance.