What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Purchasing position at Focus?
Summary
Full job description
The Director of Purchasing will collaborate with executive leadership, Business Unit (BU) leaders, planners, buyers, and scheduling teams to implement a procurement strategy that aligns with business objectives. This role requires a proactive leader who can develop high-performing teams, foster supplier partnerships, and drive continuous improvement to support Larsen's profitability and customer service goals.
Key Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership & Supplier Management:
Full job description
The Director of Purchasing will collaborate with executive leadership, Business Unit (BU) leaders, planners, buyers, and scheduling teams to implement a procurement strategy that aligns with business objectives. This role requires a proactive leader who can develop high-performing teams, foster supplier partnerships, and drive continuous improvement to support Larsen's profitability and customer service goals.
Key Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership & Supplier Management:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive procurement strategy to optimize cost efficiency, supplier performance, and supply chain resilience.
- Cultivate strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure alignment with company objectives, including cost reduction, quality assurance, and risk mitigation.
- Establish and maintain the Approved Vendor List (AVL), ensuring supplier compliance with company quality and pricing standards.
- Conduct quarterly supplier performance reviews, tracking quality, delivery performance, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Lead contract negotiations with key suppliers to secure competitive pricing, consistent supply, and favorable terms.
- Supervise and develop a high-performing procurement team, including buyers and purchasing staff, to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
- Partner with manufacturing facilities (IL & TX) and business leaders to align purchasing strategies with operational goals.
- Oversee inventory management practices to balance cost control with production needs, ensuring optimal stock levels.
- Monitor market trends, material availability, and pricing fluctuations to anticipate potential supply chain disruptions and recommend solutions.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance purchasing operations, leveraging technology and data analytics for better decision-making.
- Provide regular reports to executive leadership on purchasing performance, supplier risks, and cost-saving opportunities.
- Work closely with Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to align purchasing activities with overall company goals.
- Ensure compliance with ISO/TS requirements and other relevant industry standards.
- Lead and support special projects related to sourcing, supplier development, and process optimization.
- 10 years of progressive purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in metal fabrication.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field (preferred).
- Proven leadership experience, managing and developing procurement teams.
- Expertise in supplier negotiations, contract management, and cost-reduction strategies.
- Strong knowledge of ISO/TS quality standards and compliance requirements.
- Ability to analyze technical drawings and mechanical specifications (preferred).
- Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and ERP systems for procurement and inventory management.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- A "Whatever it takes!" mindset to drive continuous improvement and operational success.
