Manager I, Purchasing

Regal Rexnord•Columbia City, IN

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager I, Purchasing is responsible for developing supplier relationships, negotiating purchasing agreements, and ensuring the procurement of materials needed to support manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with the Materials Manager to improve cost, quality, delivery, and inventory performance. The position oversees raw material procurement processes, Kanban systems, supplier-managed inventory programs, PFEP (Plan for Every Part) initiatives, warehouse optimization, and purchasing data management. The Manager I, Purchasing also provides leadership to the Buyer(s) and Purchasing Assistant(s) while supporting continuous improvement activities across the organization.

Requirements

Associate's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, or related field.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and Kanban systems.
Strong understanding of inventory management, material flow, and purchasing processes.
Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build effective working relationships across all levels and functions of the organization.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Experience using ERP systems and purchasing databases.
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.
Three or more years of inventory management, material handling, or material presentation experience.
Previous SAP ERP experience.
Experience implementing and managing supplier-managed inventory programs.
Experience with PFEP methodologies
Knowledge of manufacturing assembly processes and product component structures.
Continuous improvement experience in a Lean manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships and strategic supplier partnerships.
Negotiate purchasing agreements and identify supplier cost reduction opportunities.
Coordinate and implement supplier-managed inventory and Kanban programs.
Support new product launches, engineering changes, and material requirements with Engineering and Operations.
Assist materials personnel in resolving vendor and material-related issues.
Manage expediting activities, including past-due orders, missed shipments, and urgent customer requirements.
Prepare and review purchase orders and inventory orders, ensuring accuracy in specifications, pricing, and supplier communication.
Execute daily release management and Kanban card activities, including ordering, tracking, and replenishment.
Monitor purchasing and inventory performance metrics and communicate results to leadership teams.
Process Make-to-Order (MTO) and sequence purchase orders based on production requirements.
Analyze purchasing and inventory data to proactively identify and resolve potential issues.
Process supplier forecasts and adjust inventory replenishment strategies as needed.
Manage milk run schedules, delivery performance, and packaging inventory systems.
Maintain SAP purchasing data and other purchasing-related databases and reports.
Support warehouse layout improvements and PFEP initiatives to optimize material presentation and flow.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives within Purchasing, Manufacturing, and support operations.
Supervise and provide mentorship and development for Buyer(s) and Purchasing Assistant(s).
Perform employee leadership responsibilities including performance management, training, coaching, scheduling, timekeeping, and performance reviews.
Complete other purchasing and raw material management responsibilities as assigned.