Director of Purchasing

BBB | Better Business Bureau•Chesterfield Township, MI

About The Position

The Director of Purchasing will lead strategic sourcing initiatives with a specialized focus on industrial hydraulic components integral to high-demand, heavy-duty applications. This role requires deep expertise in identifying, evaluating, and managing suppliers of pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, hoses, manifolds, and related hydraulic systems commonly utilized across heavy industrial and mobile equipment sectors. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience partnering with or sourcing from major hydraulic OEMs and component manufacturers, ensuring TERREPOWER secures high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective hydraulic solutions that support our aftermarket and remanufacturing operations. The Director will drive category strategy, supplier optimization, cost management, and technical collaboration across engineering and operations while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and supply continuity.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain leadership within heavy industrial, construction equipment, mobile hydraulics, or related manufacturing environments.
Proven ability to develop and execute sourcing strategies that align with business objectives, drive cost savings, and ensure supply continuity.
Demonstrated leadership experience, including building, mentoring, and developing high-performing purchasing teams in complex, fast-paced environments.
Strong expertise in sourcing hydraulic components (e.g., pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, hoses, manifolds, hydraulic power units, filtration systems) and understanding of their application in heavy equipment.
Strong cross-functional leadership experience partnering with engineering, operations, and finance to align on technical specifications, cost targets, and business goals.
Proven track record of delivering tangible results, including cost savings, supplier performance improvements, lead time reductions, and risk mitigation outcomes.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute sourcing strategies specifically for hydraulic systems and fluid-power components used in heavy industrial and mobile equipment.
Lead and mentor purchasing professionals with an emphasis on strengthening hydraulic category expertise.
Identify, qualify, and manage relationships with hydraulic component manufacturers and OEM-tier suppliers.
Drive strategic partnerships with suppliers of pumps, motors, cylinders, valves, hydraulic power units, and related assemblies.
Negotiate contracts that secure competitive pricing, high reliability, and consistent availability of hydraulics critical to equipment performance.
Lead cost-reduction initiatives in hydraulic categories through supplier consolidation, alternative sourcing, and value engineering.
Evaluate global hydraulic component market trends (pricing, lead times, material costs, technology evolution) to inform purchasing decisions.
Partner with Engineering and Operations to determine hydraulic component specifications, redesign opportunities, and reliability improvements.
Work closely with technical teams to ensure sourced hydraulics meet pressure ratings, durability expectations, and OEM-grade performance standards.
Use ERP and digital tools to track hydraulic supplier performance, lead times, component failure trends, and category KPIs.
Improve processes for sourcing high-precision hydraulic components requiring tight tolerances and quality assurance.