Strategic Purchasing Manager—CNC & Metal Fabrication

gpac LLC.; Iowa; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

gpac LLC. is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement for a manufacturing operation specializing in CNC machining, metal fabrication, and welding. The role focuses on strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, and cost management to support production and profitability.

Candidates outside Iowa are welcome to apply if willing to relocate; U.S. citizenship is required. The position collaborates with engineering and operations to ensure material availability and timely

Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in manufacturing.
• Experience supporting CNC machining, precision machining, welding, metal fabrication, or industrial equipment manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other industrial metals.
• Experience purchasing machined parts, fabricated components, tooling, and manufacturing supplies.
• Proven negotiation skills and success developing supplier relationships.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Lead purchasing of raw materials, steel, aluminum, components, tooling, consumables, and outside processing services.
• Develop purchasing strategies aligned with production requirements and business objectives.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and supplier agreements.
• Manage supplier selection, qualification, performance, and relationships.
• Balance competitive costs with quality and delivery expectations.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, production planning, and operations leadership.
• Understand procurement requirements for CNC machining, welding, and metal fabrication.
• Coordinate purchasing of machined parts, fabricated assemblies, tooling, and subcontracted services.
• Manage inventory and purchasing schedules to prevent production interruptions.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, lead times, and excess inventory.
• Establish supplier performance metrics for cost, quality, delivery, and service.
• Develop alternative supplier relationships.
• Lead cost-reduction and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor material pricing, market conditions, and supply chain risks.
• Resolve supplier quality, delivery, and purchasing issues.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem solving

Supply chain management

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Inventory management software

Job description

gpac LLC. is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement for a manufacturing operation specializing in CNC machining, metal fabrication, and welding. The role focuses on strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, and cost management to support production and profitability.

Candidates outside Iowa are welcome to apply if willing to relocate; U.S. citizenship is required. The position collaborates with engineering and operations to ensure material availability and timely