Purchasing Manager

Visual Comfort & Co. • Houston, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Director of Purchasing within the Inventory Planning and Purchasing department, the Purchasing Manager leads the daily operations and performance of a dynamic team of purchasing professionals in the lighting industry. This role is responsible for developing and executing effective purchasing and supply chain strategies specifically for the Signature Collection product line, as well as effectively managing stock to support Showroom/Trade Shows, Goods Not for Resale, and Indirect spend.

Requirements

• 3 - 5 years' previous experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain or relevant procurement function
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Sound understanding of business and end-to-end supply chains
• Strong communication and facilitation skills/stakeholder management
• Passionate and strong people leader
• A collaborative work style, with a strong ability to build relationships, gain credibility, and partner with internal customers and co-workers
• Willingness to work with global team members across many time zones, which requires flexibility with meetings including evenings and early mornings as needed
• Demonstrate a "hands-on" style and willingness to engage proactively with Managers, Directors, and Vice Presidents
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills
• Ability to present information (prepare reports, rationale, and recommendations clearly and concisely to all levels of management)
• System experience with large-scale ERP software (JDE preferred) and purchasing/material planning replenishment software (Galt/Atlas preferred)
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a strong attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and changing priorities
• Ability to achieve results both independently and through others by fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation
• Demonstrate exceptional communication across all contact channels, including email, chat and phone
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. We do not offer any type of employment-based immigration sponsorship for this role. Likewise, Visual Comfort & Co., will not provide any assistance or sign any documentation in support of any other form of immigration sponsorship or benefit including optional practical training (OPT) or curricular practical training (CPT).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in interior design, custom home building products, luxury home furnishings and/or lighting industry a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead supply planning and purchasing execution for assigned Signature product lines by facilitating S&OP sessions, product transition planning, and supply gap reviews, ensuring cross‑functional alignment and timely identification and execution of corrective actions.
• Develop and execute purchasing strategies that deliver measurable cost savings, including strategic sourcing, commodity management, and group purchasing initiatives, in alignment with profit plans and overall business objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships and oversee supplier performance, including conducting regular supplier business reviews, addressing performance gaps, and ensuring corrective actions are defined, implemented, and sustained.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and commercial agreements with suppliers to optimize total cost, ensure continuity of supply, and support financial and operational goals.
• Monitor and manage material flow and inventory levels to ensure adequate supply for operations while maintaining optimal inventory health and minimizing excess or risk of shortages.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of purchasing professionals, providing direction, coaching, and performance management to ensure effective execution of purchasing strategies and organizational goals.
• Oversee purchasing of indirect materials and services for showrooms, offices, and facilities, ensuring cost control, service quality, and alignment with company standards and operational needs.
• Review, investigate, and resolve supplier-related issues, including invoice discrepancies, claims, conflicts, product non‑conformance, and quality concerns, in collaboration with internal stakeholders to minimize disruption.
• Analyze cost structures and key cost drivers through the use of cost models and data, validating sourcing strategies and supporting informed, data‑driven purchasing decisions.
• Prepare, review, and report performance metrics to leadership, including supplier performance, inventory health, material savings, and progress of corrective actions, to support visibility, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Works effectively with others in a team environment to accomplish organizational goals and to identify and resolve problems.
• Exhibits and adheres to the established Visual Comfort Company Values.
• Must demonstrate commitment, dependability, punctuality, and adherence to agreed-upon schedule while being present in the workplace to effectively collaborate and communicate amongst co-workers and teams.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Training & Development: A comprehensive and structured training program, complemented by ongoing education and opportunities for career advancement.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation accrual and paid time off policies.
• Holidays: 7 paid holidays per year, in addition to 2 floating holidays.
• Compensation: Competitive compensation plan
• Health Benefits: Visual Comfort pays the majority of employees medical, vision, and dental coverage, available starting the first of the month following your start date.
• Insurance: Company-provided life insurance and short-term disability coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching up to 4%, available beginning the first of the month following your hire date.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level