Strategic Purchasing Manager: Lead, Optimize Costs & Suppliers

Gpac; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GPAC in Iowa City, IA is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead the full purchasing cycle, manage supplier relationships, and ensure a timely, cost-effective flow of materials to support production.

You will mentor a team of buyers, coordinate purchasing activities, negotiate pricing and long-term supplier agreements, and pursue continuous improvement in supplier performance, quality, and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Strong negotiation, communication, and vendor management skills.
• Experience in machining, hydraulic cylinder manufacturing, or heavy equipment industries preferred.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience in a manufacturing or machining environment.
• 2+ years of leadership experience supervising purchasing staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full purchasing cycle.
• Manage supplier relationships.
• Ensure the timely, cost-effective flow of materials to support production.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of buyers; set expectations and manage performance.
• Assign and coordinate purchasing activities; monitor workloads and support training.
• Promote collaboration and continuous improvement within the team.
• Source and purchase raw materials, components, and services.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and long-term supplier agreements.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure quality and on-time delivery.
• Monitor market trends, supplier performance, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Partner with production and engineering to forecast material requirements.
• Prevent material shortages and excess inventory.
• Ensure purchased materials meet quality, specification, and compliance requirements.
• Resolve supplier issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing.
• Collaborate with accounting on purchase orders, invoicing, and cost tracking.
• Implement and maintain purchasing policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Track and report KPIs related to supplier performance, inventory, and cost reduction.
• Provide regular updates to management on purchasing activities and supply chain risks.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management or related field

5+ years purchasing/supply chain in manufacturing or machining

2+ years leadership supervising purchasing staff

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

GPAC in Iowa City, IA is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead the full purchasing cycle, manage supplier relationships, and ensure a timely, cost-effective flow of materials to support production.

You will mentor a team of buyers, coordinate purchasing activities, negotiate pricing and long-term supplier agreements, and pursue continuous improvement in supplier performance, quality, and on-time delivery.