Strategic Purchasing Supervisor - Automotive Manufacturing

Drake Enterprises, Inc.; Michigan; On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Drake Enterprises, Inc. in Clinton Township, MI is seeking a Purchasing Supervisor for the 1st shift in automotive manufacturing. You will lead procurement, supplier management, and negotiate contracts to ensure timely, cost-effective material supply for production.

The role requires 5+ years in purchasing within manufacturing, a bachelor's degree, and strong leadership, negotiation, and analytical capabilities. Exemption, full-time hours and adherence to safety policies are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply chain, Business, Finance, Operations Management or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of purchasing/procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of forged, cast, machined, and raw material supply chains.
• Experience negotiating contracts, capital equipment purchases, and supplier agreements.
• Knowledge of inventory management, MRP/ERP systems (PLEX is a plus), and supplier performance management.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cost reduction initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full procurement cycle, including sourcing, supplier selection, negotiation, contract management, and purchase order execution.
• Supervise daily purchasing activities and support the development of purchasing team members.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, delivery, responsiveness, and competitive pricing.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, terms, cost reductions, and supplier cost increases.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Source and qualify new suppliers to support production requirements, new business opportunities, and risk mitigation.
• Oversee material releases, inventory levels, and purchasing activities to support production schedules and inventory turn goals.
• Lead cost savings and continuous improvement initiatives through strategic sourcing and supplier development.
• Support capital equipment and major expenditure purchases, including vendor selection and negotiation.
• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, and Finance to support quotations, new program launches, budgeting, and business objectives.
• Maintain awareness of raw material markets, industry trends, and supply chain risks, particularly related to steel, forgings, and castings.
• Ensure purchasing practices comply with company policies, customer requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cost planning related to materials, suppliers, and capital expenditures.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply chain, Business, Finance, Operations Management or related field

Tools

PLEX

Job description

Drake Enterprises, Inc. in Clinton Township, MI is seeking a Purchasing Supervisor for the 1st shift in automotive manufacturing. You will lead procurement, supplier management, and negotiate contracts to ensure timely, cost-effective material supply for production.

The role requires 5+ years in purchasing within manufacturing, a bachelor's degree, and strong leadership, negotiation, and analytical capabilities. Exemption, full-time hours and adherence to safety policies are expected.