Strategic Sourcing Manager

Roppel Industries; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Roppel Industries is seeking a Strategic Purchasing Manager to lead the procurement function. This hands-on role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and developing procurement strategies to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The ideal candidate will have 5–7 years of experience in purchasing within a manufacturing setting, strong communication skills, and proficient knowledge of ERP systems. Opportunities for direct impact in a growing organization await.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Leadership or management experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of procurement and inventory management best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day procurement and purchasing activities.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Negotiate pricing and contracts to optimize costs.
• Manage inventory strategies for service and supply continuity.
• Develop key procurement KPIs to drive performance.

Skills

Purchasing or strategic sourcing experience

Supplier management

Inventory control

Strong communication skills

ERP/MRP systems knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Are you someone who enjoys being hands-on in purchasing while also building more structure and strategy, and partnering directly with leadership to make a real impact?
• Are you motivated by improving supplier performance, reducing costs, and creating more efficient, scalable procurement processes across the organization?
• Do you have experience managing inventory and imports, including navigating tariffs, optimizing flow, and implementing processes to strengthen cost and supply efficiency?

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Roppel Industries is a privately held, third-generation company specializing in engine cooling and heat exchange solutions for heavy-duty and industrial equipment. Founded in 1947, the company has grown from a radiator repair shop into a multi-state provider of radiators, charge air coolers, condensers, and custom-engineered systems supporting on-highway and off-highway applications.

With a strong reputation for technical expertise, responsive service, and quality, Roppel partners with customers across trucking, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing to keep critical equipment running and minimize downtime.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Reporting to the President, the Strategic Purchasing Manager will lead the day-to-day procurement function while helping bring more structure and strategy to how sourcing supports the business. This is a hands-on role that partners closely with operations, engineering, and sales to ensure materials are sourced efficiently, costs are managed, and customer demand is met.

• Lead and oversee day-to-day procurement and purchasing activities, ensuring timely and cost-effective material flow
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, managing performance across cost, quality, delivery, and service
• Effectively manage outsourced importing while navigating tariff implications.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to support growth and reduce supply risk
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to optimize cost and overall value
• Utilize your S&OP and forecasting experience to partner cross-functionally with operations, engineering, and sales to align purchasing and inventory with business needs
• Manage inventory strategies to balance service levels, working capital, and supply continuity
• Resolve supply, quality, and delivery issues through root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Develop and track key procurement KPIs to drive performance and accountability
• Leverage ERP systems to improve visibility, reporting, and operational efficiency
• Lead and develop the purchasing team, building structure, consistency, and capability across the function

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 5–7+ years of purchasing or strategic sourcing experience within a manufacturing environment, with leadership or management experience preferred
• Strong understanding of procurement, inventory control, and supplier management best practices in order to see the big picture
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• EOS experience would be a plus
• Willingness to travel to support supplier relationships

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Professional ethics, tact and courtesy
• Strong communicator and relationship builder with employees at all levels
• Must handle multiple projects simultaneously, change tasks with minimal notice
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with shifting demands across the business
• Must be able to positively motivate individuals and suppliers to meet or exceed project expectations and delivery requirements

THE PAYOFF

You’ll step into a highly visible role with direct access to leadership, where you’ll have the opportunity to shape how sourcing and procurement support a growing, multi-state organization. This is a chance to make a tangible impact, bring more structure and strategy to the function, and play a key role in improving performance across the business.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you’re drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to apply.