Assistant Purchasing Manager (Mechanical/Electrical Component exp req)

Rhodes Wolfe•Minneapolis, MN

3d•$95,000 - $120,000

About The Position

An industrial automation manufacturing organization is seeking an Assistant Purchasing Manager to partner with the Purchasing Manager in leading the purchasing team. The role manages a portfolio of more than 80,000 SKUs across more than 200 domestic and international suppliers, executes and oversees purchasing activities, and supports trade compliance and tariff management. The position calls for a technical background and hands-on experience purchasing mechanical and electrical components in a manufacturing environment, along with strategic vision, urgency, and strong communication skills suited to a high-mix, low-volume operation. The organization emphasizes innovation, teamwork, work-life balance, and career advancement. The position is located minutes southwest of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is full-time, Monday through Friday, with flexible scheduling between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. The listed salary is $95,000–$120,000 depending on experience, plus a monthly performance bonus and benefits. The start date is ASAP; sponsorship is unavailable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 3 years of experience purchasing mechanical and electrical components.
Experience forecasting, planning, and managing domestic and international suppliers.
Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel, including pivot tables and VLOOKUP.
Prior leadership experience and a desire to manage others.

Responsibilities

Lead purchasing of direct and indirect materials, equipment, and services.
Manage and execute purchasing strategies aligned with operational and financial objectives.
Generate, modify, and cancel purchase orders and supplier confirmations in SAP.
Coordinate procurement and delivery schedules with suppliers and internal teams.
Obtain quotes, evaluate suppliers, and negotiate pricing, terms, and agreements.
Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Expedite purchase orders and determine appropriate air, ocean, rail, or ground freight methods.
Maintain vendor master data, purchasing records, and inbound shipment information.
Support inventory management and optimization, new part creation, and ECO processes.
Monitor changes to U.S. and international tariffs, trade regulations, customs requirements, and import/export laws.
Analyze tariff impacts on product costs, supplier pricing, margins, and operations.
Maintain HTS codes, country-of-origin documentation, and trade compliance records.
Coordinate with brokers and forwarders and develop strategies to mitigate tariff costs and risks.
Ensure accurate landed cost calculations, duties, taxes, and tariff reporting.
Develop purchasing metrics and reporting to support decision-making.
Provide leadership with periodic tariff impact reports and cost-saving recommendations.
Lead sourcing projects, cost-reduction initiatives, and departmental compliance.