Purchasing Manager

The Plant Company•Stuarts Draft, VA

8d•$75,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of materials, supplies, and services required to support company operations. This role partners closely with Sales, Operations, Production Planning, and Finance to align purchasing activities with demand forecasts, inventory objectives, and business goals. The Purchasing Manager is responsible for supplier performance, inventory optimization, procurement compliance, and the leadership and development of the purchasing team. Success in this role means maintaining material availability while optimizing inventory levels, strengthening supplier relationships, supporting operational efficiency, and ensuring procurement activities align with company growth objectives. The Plant Company is a collaborative organization in which team members work together to achieve company goals. There may be times when support is needed outside of primary responsibilities.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven negotiation skills
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to effectively train others
Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
Understanding of business and management principles
Thorough understanding of materials and supplies used in the company
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Business Central (BC) Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Minimum of five (5) years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or inventory management experience
Experience participating in SIOP, demand planning, or inventory management processes preferred
Experience managing supplier relationships and contract negotiations required
Experience in manufacturing, agriculture, greenhouse, nursery, or consumer products environments preferred
Ability to sit, stand, and work on a computer for extended periods
Ability to travel as needed for customer visits, meetings, and trade shows
Ability to occasionally lift and transport materials up to 25 pounds

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field preferred

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, develop, and manage members of the purchasing team
Execute department goals, priorities, and performance expectations
Conduct timely performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback
Manage employee performance, corrective action, and termination decisions in accordance with company policy
Monitor department workload, staffing needs, and resource allocation
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Monitor and report purchasing efficiencies, inventory performance, and departmental metrics
Collaborate with Sales, Operations, and Production Planning teams as part of the SIOP process to translate forecast demand and determine hard goods requirements
Translate sales forecasts and production plans into procurement strategies that ensure material availability, optimize inventory levels, and support customer fulfillment objectives
Assess supplier lead times, transportation capacity, and freight availability to ensure timely procurement and uninterrupted operations
Oversee purchasing activities including purchase order management, supplier performance, contract administration, and procurement compliance
Develop, implement, and maintain purchasing policies, procedures, and controls
Resolve supplier performance issues, contract disputes, and service concerns
Maintain purchasing systems, records, and documentation to support operational and compliance requirements
Serve as the company representative in supplier negotiations
Manage procurement and inventory planning for hard goods including production plastics, shipping material, soil, finished plant upgrades, tags, grow cones, stakes, clips, boxes, and other operational materials
Manage vendor credits and ensure compliance with company credit policies and appropriate allocation within Business Central
Monitor inventory levels and purchasing performance to support operational efficiency and working capital objectives
Ensures accurate supply levels and purchasing chemicals, fertilizer, biologicals (BCAs), and general grower supplies
Collaborates with other departments and leadership to identify and develop needs and requirements for equipment, materials, products, and acceptable substitutions for purchasing and sourcing
Ensures accurate levels of shipping supplies
Assist with fulfilling other miscellaneous or non-inventory goods as needed
Performs other duties as assigned