What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Manager position at Talent Groups?
Job Title: Purchasing Manager
Location: Chattanooga, TN
About the Position:
The Purchasing Manager will oversee the procurement of materials and supplies essential for the manufacturing of heavy equipment. This position is responsible for ensuring timely delivery of materials to meet production schedules and actively participating in vendor selection and purchasing critical goods and services. The Purchasing Manager will also handle defective or unacceptable goods, maintain accurate records, and track deliveries to support Peterson's strategic goals.
Key Activities & Responsibilities:
- Procurement Management: Oversee day-to-day procurement processes, ensuring adherence to company policies, procedures, and requirements.
- Vendor Evaluation & Contract Management: Conduct evaluations of vendors, offers, and contracts, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations while selecting the best vendors.
- Vendor Performance Assurance: Ensure vendors deliver materials and services as per agreed standards, including price, time, quantity, and quality.
- Cross-Department Coordination: Regularly interface with departments (engineering, production, sales) to ensure effective and timely procurement of goods and services.
- Market Research & Best Practices: Incorporate market research into procurement decisions, ensuring Peterson obtains the best possible pricing and service.
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead, supervise, and coach the purchasing team to achieve department goals and maintain high performance standards.
- Inventory & Demand Forecasting: Accurately forecast purchasing requirements and manage inventory to ensure uninterrupted production schedules.
- Compliance & Safety: Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations, and support safe operations in line with the company's core values.
- Performance Reporting: Track and evaluate supplier performance and freight charges to ensure efficiency and cost control.
To Be Successful in This Role, You Will Need:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field preferred. Advanced certifications a plus.
- Experience: 12 years of purchasing/procurement management experience in heavy manufacturing industries, particularly with technical, mechanical, electrical products, and commodities.
- Technical Skills: Strong experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ERP systems (preferably Microsoft Dynamics AX), along with proficiency in inventory, ordering, and tracking systems.
- Blueprints & BOM Knowledge: Experience reading and interpreting blueprints and bills of material (BOMs).
- Analytical & Negotiation Skills: Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and negotiation skills.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work efficiently across functions and collaborate with engineering, sales, parts, and production teams.
- Leadership & Communication: Strong leadership, delegation, and decision-making skills, with the ability to motivate and influence teams. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Continuous Improvement: Understanding of lean principles and commitment to continuous process improvement.
- Adaptability: Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to rapidly changing situations.
