Purchasing Manager

Link Engineering Company•Plymouth, MI

35d•Onsite

About The Position

Link Engineering Company (LINK) is a premier designer and manufacturer of precision test equipment, specializing in customized solutions for the Automotive, Aviation, Off-Highway, Rail, and Civil Engineering industries. Headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, LINK maintains testing laboratories, manufacturing, and support facilities globally. Established in 1935, LINK is a family-owned company that values its customers and employees, offering continuous opportunities for learning and skill development. The Purchasing Manager will lead all procurement activities for the Plymouth, Michigan manufacturing facility, overseeing a team of buyers. This role is crucial for ensuring materials, components, and services are sourced on time, at the right cost, and to the required technical specifications. Success requires a blend of technical understanding, supplier management expertise, and strong leadership, contributing significantly to on-time delivery, cost control, and overall operational performance in a customized, engineering-driven production environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field) OR Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or Business with strong technical aptitude.
7 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment (engineered to order/low volume preferred)
Minimum of 5 years of experience in leading and managing teams.
Experience working with ERP systems (Epicor preferred)
Experience working with TSM platforms (Coupa preferred)
Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineered requirements.
Strong negotiation, communication, and supplier-relationship skills.
Demonstrated success in leading and managing people in a team-based environment
Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management skills.
Excellent leadership skills, including goal setting, motivating, training and mentorship.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including writing, speaking and active listening.
Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office and Windows based computer systems

Nice To Haves

Experience in global and regional procurement (preferred)
Experience in engineered-to-order, custom equipment, or complex assembly manufacturing (preferred)

Responsibilities

Own the maintenance and execution of the LINK Purchasing standard operating procedure.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of buyers responsible for daily purchasing activities.
Set performance expectations, monitor KPIs, and drive continuous improvement in procurement processes.
Ensure workload is balanced and aligned with production schedules and engineering priorities.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and proactive problem-solving.
Oversee all purchasing activities for the Plymouth facility, including materials, components, subcontracted services, and engineered-to-order items.
Ensure all purchase orders are executed accurately and timely through the ERP system.
Review and approve high-value or strategic purchase orders.
Resolve escalated supplier issues related to delivery, quality, or pricing.
Utilize total spend management tools to monitor spend categories, identify savings opportunities, and improve sourcing decisions.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, especially those supporting custom or technical components.
Evaluate supplier performance and lead corrective actions when needed.
Negotiate pricing, terms, and long-term agreements to support cost-reduction and reliability goals.
Identify and qualify new suppliers to support growth, risk mitigation, and technical capability needs.
Work closely with Engineering, Production, Planning, and Quality to ensure procurement aligns with project requirements and manufacturing schedules.
Participate in design reviews to anticipate sourcing challenges for engineered-to-order components.
Support new product introductions and custom project launches with early supplier engagement.
Ensure the purchasing team follows ERP workflows, data accuracy standards, and procurement policies.
Drive improvements in lead-time reduction, cost control, terms and supplier responsiveness.
Support inventory optimization initiatives and material availability strategies.
Leverage total spend management software and ERP system to analyze spend, track supplier performance, and support strategic sourcing initiatives.
Partner with LINK global locations to share best practices, understand regional trends, and capitalize on LINK global procurement and purchasing opportunities across commodities and locations.
Proactively identify potential supply opportunities and concerns through research and benchmarking of commodity, industry, and technology trends.
Ensure work is performed in a safe manner using all available safety equipment.
All other related duties as assigned.
Possess mental faculties consistent with performing the minimum requirements of the job.
Adhere and perform all duties aligned with the core values of the LINK Group organization, Can-Do Attitude, Courage, Commitment, Humility and Accountability.