Purchasing Manager

Long-Lewis Automotive Group•Florence, AL

About The Position

This role is responsible for managing vendor relationships, overseeing purchasing operations, and driving cost and process improvements within the purchasing function. The Purchasing Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for key vendors, negotiate contracts and terms, and ensure purchases align with company policies and budgets.

Requirements

2-5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience, ideally with direct vendor negotiation responsibility.
Proven track record of managing vendor relationships and negotiating favorable contract terms.
Strong negotiation, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
Comfortable pushing back on vendors while preserving the relationship.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and follow-up skills.
Proficiency with purchasing/procurement software and Excel.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for all key vendors, building and maintaining strong working relationships.
Work with dealerships to identify, vet, and onboard new vendors; maintain a qualified vendor pool for all major purchasing categories.
Negotiate pricing, payment terms, contracts, and service level agreements to secure favorable terms.
Conduct regular vendor performance reviews (pricing, quality, delivery, responsiveness) and hold vendors accountable to agreed terms.
Work with accounts payable to resolve vendor disputes, service failures, and billing discrepancies quickly and professionally.
Lead periodic vendor bid/RFP processes to benchmark pricing and ensure competitiveness.
Represent the company professionally in vendor negotiations and site visits.
Issue POs for all non-inventory-based purchases (i.e. supplies, services, etc.).
Partner with dealership management to understand purchasing needs and forecast demand.
Work with local accounting to monitor supply inventory levels (where applicable).
Ensure purchases comply with internal approval policies and budget guidelines.
Track and report on purchasing spend by category and vendor.
Identify cost-saving opportunities through consolidation, volume discounts, or vendor renegotiation.
Standardize purchasing processes and documentation across locations.
Recommend and help implement purchasing systems/tools to improve visibility and efficiency.