Procurement Manager

Aston Carter•Chattanooga, TN

10d•$120,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Procurement Manager develops and executes sourcing and procurement strategies that support the operational, financial, and production objectives of a manufacturing facility. The role oversees supplier selection, contract negotiations, inventory planning, cost reduction initiatives, and procurement processes to ensure a reliable supply of materials, components, equipment, and services. It partners with Production, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Logistics to improve supplier performance, mitigate supply risks, and drive continuous improvement. The role also manages and develops procurement, purchasing, and sourcing personnel, establishes team goals, and leads procurement projects and strategic initiatives. The position is based fully onsite in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with a combination of office and manufacturing-floor work. Periodic supplier visits, audits, and industry events may require domestic or international travel, and flexibility may be needed to address urgent supply-chain or production issues. The position is contract-to-hire. The posting lists compensation as $48.08–$57.69 per hour and also as $120,000–$140,000 per year; individual compensation depends on qualifications, skills, experience, job knowledge, location, internal equity, and other job-related factors. A yearly bonus may depend on production and company performance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
5–10 years of procurement, purchasing, or supply-chain experience.
Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating contracts.
Strong knowledge of procurement principles, sourcing strategies, and supplier management.
Understanding of manufacturing operations, inventory control, and supply-chain processes.
Proven negotiation and contract-management skills.
Strong financial and analytical capabilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement software, and Microsoft Office applications.
Experience using data analytics to support business decisions.
Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods; move throughout office, warehouse, and production environments; and occasionally lift materials or samples up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
Experience in manufacturing, industrial, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, or another production environment.
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), APICS CPIM, CSCP, or similar certification.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience with international sourcing and global supply chains.
Familiarity with supplier quality systems and manufacturing compliance requirements.
Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or JD Edwards.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business and manufacturing objectives.
Manage sourcing, purchasing, and replenishment of raw materials, components, packaging, maintenance supplies, and capital equipment.
Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery performance, and service capabilities.
Lead competitive bidding, supplier selection, and contract negotiations.
Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and supply-chain risks; develop contingency plans for critical suppliers and materials.
Establish and maintain supplier relationships, conduct performance evaluations and business reviews, and drive improvements in cost, quality, delivery, and service.
Resolve supplier issues involving pricing, shortages, quality concerns, and delivery delays; collaborate with suppliers on innovation and continuous improvement.
Ensure suppliers meet company quality, safety, ethical, and compliance requirements.
Lead cost-reduction and supplier-consolidation initiatives; negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and service agreements.
Analyze spending trends, develop and monitor procurement budgets and savings targets, and report savings, cost avoidance, and procurement metrics.
Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities.
Collaborate with operations, planning, and warehouse teams to ensure material availability and balance inventory levels against production needs and carrying costs.
Monitor inventory and identify opportunities to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
Coordinate procurement with production schedules and customer requirements; assist with demand planning and forecasting.
Mitigate supply-chain disruptions through proactive planning and supplier management.
Draft, negotiate, and administer supplier contracts and agreements; maintain procurement documentation, purchase orders, contracts, and supplier records.
Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and applicable legal, environmental, and regulatory requirements; support procurement audits and maintain ethical practices.
Partner with Engineering on supplier qualification and new product introductions, and work with Quality Assurance on supplier concerns and corrective actions.
Collaborate with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting; support Maintenance and Operations with sourcing equipment, spare parts, and services.
Participate in continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
Manage and develop procurement, purchasing, and sourcing personnel; set performance goals, monitor performance, and provide coaching, training, and professional development.
Promote accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement; lead procurement projects and strategic initiatives.