Market Purchasing Manager

Bunzl Distribution NA • Kansas City, MO

4d • $80,168 - $135,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Market Purchasing Manager oversees and leads domestic purchasing for Bunzl Distribution’s MidCentral Market. The role manages purchasing activities and inventory across the market, ensuring timely and efficient product acquisition and inventory levels that align with customer demand. The manager leads a team of replenishment buyers, develops inventory strategies, improves supply chain efficiency and service levels, and maintains supplier relationships. This is an onsite position at the company’s Kansas City, Missouri office; team members may be located at this office or other offices across the region.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; significant industry experience (10+ years) may substitute for a degree, particularly in manufacturing or distribution.
• At least 5 years of purchasing experience, preferably in a distribution environment.
• Managerial-level planning, execution, time management, and communication skills, including the ability to craft targeted messages.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Analytical skills using Microsoft Excel and reporting tools such as Microsoft Power BI to support decisions and communicate performance trends.
• Deep knowledge of supply chain principles, including replenishment purchasing, freight, and warehousing.

Nice To Haves

• Previous supervisory experience, especially developing a high-performing team.
• Industry certificates or certifications, such as those from ASCM or ISM.
• At least 2 years of Blue Yonder experience, or experience with other leading ERP platforms such as AS400, SAP, or Oracle.
• A bachelor’s degree.
• 10+ years of industry experience may substitute for a degree, particularly in manufacturing or distribution.

Responsibilities

• Supervise replenishment buyers, including recruiting, selection, training, performance management, and development planning.
• Oversee domestic purchasing and overall inventory management.
• Develop and implement inventory strategies based on forecasted demand across multiple distribution centers, minimizing excess stock and stockouts.
• Monitor buyer productivity and KPIs, including volume, value, fill rate, turns, and overstock.
• Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with key suppliers and vendors.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve quality, delivery, or pricing issues.
• Coordinate with Sales, Sourcing, Customer Service, Operations, and Accounting on purchasing, product launches, and product lifecycle changes.
• Develop and present reports on inventory performance, inventory levels, and key metrics.
• Mentor and develop team members and foster a high-performance team environment.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure best practices are followed.
• Lead initiatives to streamline procurement, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen supplier relationships.
• Collaborate with leadership on long-term strategies supporting business growth and objectives.
• Ensure purchasing complies with company policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements.
• Communicate across sales, demand planning, replenishment purchasing, and operations to ensure needs are met on time and to expectations.
• Deliver departmental budget metrics and objectives in alignment with the division’s three-year business plan.
• Conform purchasing decisions to category management guidelines and demand plans, including preferred vendor and product relationships.
• Manage inventory balance according to ordering characteristics and aged profile.
• Maintain vendor relationships and service levels, including On Time and In Full (OTIF).
• Identify and capture opportunities for one-time PBIT improvements.
• Serve as the functional expert and subject matter leader for ERP tools such as AS400 and Blue Yonder.
• Transition routinely purchased items to an A/B/C/D priority purchasing model and associated stocking parameters.
• Negotiate directly with vendors as needed to reach decisions.

Benefits

• Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents, available starting the first day of the month after 30 days of employment, unless otherwise specified by a collective bargaining agreement.
• Dental insurance for employees and eligible dependents, available starting the first day of the month after 30 days of employment, unless otherwise specified by a collective bargaining agreement.
• Vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents, available starting the first day of the month after 30 days of employment, unless otherwise specified by a collective bargaining agreement.
• Life insurance for employees and eligible dependents, available starting the first day of the month after 30 days of employment, unless otherwise specified by a collective bargaining agreement.
• 401(k) plan with a company match of $0.75 per $1.00 contributed, up to 6% of eligible pay, available after 30 days.
• Paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED