Purchasing Manager

Our client, a growing manufacturing company in Prattville, Alabama, is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement operations and drive supply chain efficiency. This role is responsible for overseeing purchasing activities related to raw materials, MRO supplies, and vendor services while ensuring cost-effective sourcing, on-time delivery, and alignment with operational and quality standards.

The ideal candidate will bring strong manufacturing purchasing experience, supplier relationship management expertise, and a continuous improvement mindset to support production goals and overall business performance.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Purchasing Leadership

• Lead all purchasing department activities, including sourcing, supplier communication, cost management, and timely procurement of materials and services.
• Develop and implement purchasing strategies that support operational efficiency, cost reduction, and quality objectives.
• Establish departmental goals, KPIs, and performance metrics to measure procurement effectiveness and supplier performance.
• Ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment to support manufacturing and inventory requirements.

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Build, maintain, and strengthen strategic supplier partnerships to maximize value, improve service levels, and reduce supply chain risk.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on quality, delivery timelines, responsiveness, and pricing competitiveness.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, contract terms, and service agreements to support cost savings and operational success.
• Manage approved supplier relationships and oversee supplier corrective actions related to nonconforming products or services.

Supply Chain & Process Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement systems and processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Conduct market analysis and cost-benefit evaluations, including make-versus-buy assessments and total cost of ownership analysis.
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, manufacturing, and quality teams to resolve material issues and improve supplier performance.
• Oversee freight and logistics coordination for inbound and outbound shipments to support production schedules and inventory planning.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, supplier information, pricing, and lead times within ERP/MRP systems.

Compliance & Operational Excellence

• Ensure purchasing practices align with internal procedures, quality standards, and approved supplier requirements.
• Develop, revise, and maintain standard operating procedures for purchasing and supplier management.
• Participate in internal and external audits related to procurement, supplier controls, and compliance initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent related experience will be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of purchasing experience within a manufacturing environment required.
• Experience purchasing textiles or metal goods strongly preferred.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Combination of education, industry training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems for purchasing and inventory management.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, including cost analysis and process evaluation.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and lead supplier relationships.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.