Purchasing Manager

Paul Reed Smith Guitars, one of the world’s premier guitar and amplifier manufacturers located in Stevensville, MD is seeking a dynamic individual to fill the full-time position of Purchasing Manager.

Summary of the Purchasing Manager: 

The Purchasing Manager manages and coordinates purchasing activities for direct material, indirect material and equipment and supplies. Leads a team of Buyer/Planner(s). Hires, trains, develops, and manages Purchasing Team. Creates and continuously improve departmental policies, procedures, and best practices. The Purchasing Manager is responsible for buying, planning, and managing inventory levels for group commodities and services, which includes but is not limited to machined, cast, and molded metals components, hardware assemblies, electronics assemblies, etc. This role is responsible for working with the current supply base, as well as identifying and qualifying new suppliers, requesting, and examining quotations, negotiating pricing, terms and conditions of purchases, and ensuring that purchases are delivered on time, on budget and at meeting quality standards. The Purchasing Manager drives the Purchasing Team, planning and coordinating purchasing activities, ensuring the necessary materials are available to meet sales objectives, while driving lean inventory and cost reduction strategies. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Purchasing Manager:

• Leads a team of Buyer/Planner(s). Hire, train, develop and manage Purchasing Team. Create and continuously improve departmental policies, procedures, and best practices.

• Responsible for buying, planning, and managing inventory levels for group commodities and services, which includes but is not limited to machined, cast, and molded metals components, hardware assemblies, electronics assemblies, etc.

• Establishes short- and long-term sourcing strategies for direct materials, including but not limited to cost reductions, quality improvements, dual sourcing for supply security, contract negotiation. Strategies must support the consistent delivery of products at a fair market price at the prescribed quality level based on the operation’s requirements.

• Works with Purchasing Team to drive projects targeting cost reductions of 4-6% of material spend annually.

• Manages and maintains strong supplier relationships

• Exercises a value-based quotation process - utilizes appropriate negotiating and purchasing techniques assuring high quality, value-based pricing and on-time delivery

• Plans, organizes, and manages daily activities related to the procurement of direct material

• Establishes and maintains inventories of direct material – balancing production needs and inventory costs. Continually evaluates inventory levels, looking to reduce levels as possible to generate free cash flow or increase as needed to support the changing production schedule.

• Aggressively addresses reschedule requirements, working with the vendor to reschedule in and out components to meet supply schedule, expediting or finding alternative items to address material shortages. Communicating regularly with production on changing requirements and providing updates on out-of-stock items. 

• Develops a deep understanding of suppliers, identifying manufacturing, quality and system processes, capacity, and understanding their strengths and limitations.

• Regularly communicates PRS’ strategic objectives to our supplier partners; ensuring our suppliers clearly understand what is expected.

• Actively participates in and supports new product introduction – identifying potential suppliers, quoting, and sourcing new materials, components and tooling.

• Remains apprised of new technologies and alternate manufacturing techniques

• Analyzes market trends and delivery conditions to determine present and future material availability and / or risks

• Strong working knowledge of how accounting / purchasing interface. Invoice reconciliation and approval as required.

• Maintains accurate system information – standard costs, quotes, lead times, min/max/multiples, safety stocks, accurate PO delivery dates.

• Reports to Management and Purchasing Team

Experience Requirements and Competencies for the Purchasing Manager:

• 5 years of experience in procurement that includes negotiating, administering, extending, terminating and re-negotiating contracts.

• Five (3) or more years of prior management experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, or related field preferred

• Experience in manufacturing environment preferred

• Strong knowledge and understanding of ERP systems, Microsoft Dynamics preferred

• Strong knowledge and understanding of planning and purchasing concepts and procedures

• Strong analytical skills

• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills, especially in Excel including vlookup, pivot tables, etc.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Self-motivated and proactive

• Highly effective and persuasive communication skills

• Strong task, date, and project management skills

• Time-management, prioritization, and organizational skills

• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and across companies

• Process improvement and documentation mindset

• High attention to detail and sense of urgency

• Observant, analytical, inquisitive, and attentive

About Us:

Since our humble beginning in 1985, PRS Guitars strives to create the highest quality instruments possible. Guitar and amplifier building are very personal things here, as most of us are dedicated players, refining our craft as builders, musicians, and artists of all kinds. Our deep commitment to the craft and our culture of quality are what drives PRS in the workplace and the marketplace.

We are a unique bunch with passion, deeply rooted culture, and an every maturing understanding of the instrument, so if you are looking for an exciting career opportunity within a fast-paced and dynamic organization.  PRS could be a great fit for you! Being located on Kent Island gives you the best of both worlds within Maryland.  And, we are less than a mile from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which makes commuting a snap regardless of which side of the bridge you call home.  

Benefits:

• Medical Coverage (3 Plans Options)
• Dental Coverage (2 Plan Options)
• Vision Coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Company-paid long term and short-term disability
• Voluntary life insurance for the employee, spouse and children
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K plan with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee guitars
• Discounts on PRS gear and apparel
• We like to have FUN! Parties, Ping Pong, Employee Art Shows, Onsite Yoga & other wellness activities, Game Nights, Movie Nights, Employee Band Concerts are just a few examples on our typical Fun Calendar!