Purchasing Manager

West Fraser•Cordele, GA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the timely purchase of indirect materials, commodities, supplies, equipment, and services, including on-site and non-site inventory requirements. This role uses strong organizational, analytical, customer-service, and communication skills to support internal requestors while managing purchasing activities, supplier relationships, inventory levels, cost control, and compliance with company purchasing policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant purchasing/procurement experience will be considered.
5 to 10 years of inventory-control and/or purchasing experience, with demonstrated purchasing/procurement responsibility preferred.
Experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment preferred.
Demonstrated experience with supplier negotiations, pricing, purchasing terms, contracts, and/or service agreements.
Managerial or supervisory experience preferred.
Strong knowledge of purchasing concepts, procurement processes, and their application.
Experience using CMMS, ERP, inventory, or purchasing systems preferred.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to analyze pricing, inventory, supplier performance, and purchasing data and communicate findings clearly.

Nice To Haves

Functional / Technical Skills: Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to perform the job at a high level of accomplishment.
Decision Quality: Makes sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment; identifies appropriate solutions and produces accurate work.
Process Management: Organizes people, activities, and resources effectively; identifies opportunities to simplify and improve processes.
Drive for Results: Focuses on achieving goals successfully, consistently, and with appropriate attention to detail.
Interpersonal Savvy: Relates well to people at all levels, builds constructive relationships, uses diplomacy and tact, and handles difficult situations appropriately.
Negotiation and Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally and works toward favorable, sustainable outcomes with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Financial and Analytical Acumen: Understands the cost impact of purchasing decisions and uses data to support cost control, inventory optimization, and supplier decisions.

Responsibilities

Manage storeroom inventory replenishment by verifying approved purchase requisition-line demands against stores inventory to maintain appropriate mill inventory levels.
Direct communication with maintenance planners and internal requestors regarding purchase-order delivery status and expedite materials as needed to meet work-order requirements.
Create RFQs and requests for quotes based on incoming demand and award bids in accordance with purchasing procedures.
Ensure compliance with purchasing policies, procedures, approval authority, and internal controls.
Manage the mill's RFQ, purchase-order, service-agreement, and related procurement processes; maintain accurate information in the CMMS/ERP or applicable purchasing system.
Negotiate purchasing and service agreements and communicate details to appropriate departments; support contract administration and supplier performance expectations.
Analyze supplier pricing, terms, lead times, total cost, and purchasing trends to identify cost-saving and process-improvement opportunities.
Champion continuous-improvement initiatives related to storeroom inventory control and purchasing operations; identify opportunities to optimize inventory levels, workflows, and processes.
Audit vendor and supplier performance against purchasing agreements, including late deliveries, incorrect shipments, damaged or defective goods, pricing discrepancies, and other service issues.
Organize, review, and maintain inventory-management information including lead times, minimum/maximum levels, reorder points, and replenishment data.
Perform requirements planning for one-time and recurring purchases and identify discrepancies from receipt to invoice on a bi-weekly basis.
Gather vendor and supplier information from requestors and maintain accurate supplier records as required.
Serve as a central point of contact for Accounting/Accounts Payable and suppliers regarding invoice and purchase-order discrepancies.
Conduct annual supplier evaluations and participate in annual corporate performance reviews as required.
Manage purchasing-related KPIs such as inventory accuracy, supplier performance, lead times, cost savings/avoidance, and purchasing compliance; communicate results to leadership as appropriate.
Partner cross-functionally with Maintenance, Operations, Finance/Accounting, and other departments to ensure purchasing priorities support mill needs.
Maintain professional relationships with suppliers and represent the company appropriately in vendor interactions.
Lead by example and perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the General Manager.