Procurement Lead

CLEVELAND GEAR COMPANY INC•Cleveland, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Cleveland Gear, a leading manufacturer of high-quality worm gearing, industrial speed reducers and customized gear drives, is currently seeking a Procurement Lead. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of purchasing and supplier management to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality procurement of materials, equipment, and services. The position combines the tactical execution of purchasing with the strategic responsibilities of supplier negotiation, cost reduction, and cross-department collaboration. The Procurement Lead acts as the key liaison between internal departments and external suppliers to support production goals, profitability, and operational excellence. The company is seeking energetic, highly motivated, and take-charge individuals who are seeking a challenging and exciting opportunity to join a well-established, profitable, and growing company.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field (in lieu of degree, minimum 7 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain roles).
Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (BPCS, IBM iSeries, or similar).
Strong negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Proven ability to balance cost, quality, and delivery performance.
Excellent communication and vendor relationship management abilities.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general computer literacy.
Ability to read blueprints and technical specifications.
Strategic thinker with attention to detail and a results-driven mindset.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred
Experience in manufacturing or industrial environments preferred
Casting/forging sourcing experience a plus

Responsibilities

Coordinate and manage all procurement activities from intent to purchase through final delivery.
Analyze material requirements, specifications, preferred suppliers, and delivery timelines.
Negotiate pricing, lead times, and contract terms with suppliers to ensure optimal cost, quality, and delivery.
Maintain and update approved supplier lists; investigate and evaluate new supplier opportunities.
Report cost savings, supplier performance, and sourcing opportunities to management on a quarterly basis.
Ensure on-time delivery and adherence to quality standards for all purchased materials and outside services.
Review documentation for purchased items and ensure supplier compliance with company standards.
Maintain accurate purchasing records, purchase orders, shipping notices, and pattern lists for foundries.
Resolve delivery, invoicing, and quality issues promptly in collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.
Collaborate with Finance on cost changes and purchasing impacts.
Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Finance to ensure purchasing aligns with production schedules and business needs.
Communicate supplier performance, pricing trends, and sourcing strategies to internal stakeholders.
Lead coordination between purchasing, planning, and inventory control to maintain optimal stock levels.
Provide complete and timely documentation to internal departments and suppliers.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency and supplier relationships.
Stay current with trends and best practices in purchasing, sourcing, and materials management.
Support ERP/MRP utilization and data integrity to streamline purchasing operations.