Project & Purchasing Manager

Position Summary

The Project & Purchasing Manager position is responsible for coordinating customer and internal projects from initial request through completion while managing the purchasing and supplier activities necessary for successful execution. This position works closely with Sales, Customer Service, suppliers, and other internal teams to ensure materials, pricing, timelines, and project requirements are effectively managed.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator and negotiator who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Procure materials and supplies based on cost, quality, availability, and customer requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while negotiating pricing, terms, lead times, and other purchasing conditions.
• Support Sales with sourcing needs. Obtain supplier quotes and volume pricing.
• Create, track, and expedite purchase orders; proactively address backorders, shortages, and potential delays.
• Manage assigned customer and internal projects from initial request through successful completion.
• Develop and maintain project timelines, priorities, action items, and key milestones.
• Coordinate communication between Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, suppliers, customers, and other internal resources.
• Identify and resolve purchasing or project risks that could impact cost, quality, availability, or timing.
• Maintain accurate product, purchasing, and project information, including new item setup and supporting documentation.
• Assist with inventory management, stock transfers, cycle counts, returns, and supplier invoice discrepancies.
• Track project and purchasing progress and provide timely updates to key stakeholders.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong purchasing, sourcing, negotiation, and supplier-management skills.
• Excellent project-management, organizational, and time-management abilities.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and relationship-building skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Self-motivated and proactive with the ability to work independently and take ownership.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office; ability to learn ERP and project-management systems.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.
• 3-5 years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, project management, or related experience preferred.
• Distribution experience preferred.
• Packaging, manufacturing, or related industry experience is a plus.