Sr. Purchasing Manager

Houdini, Inc•Fullerton, CA

5h•$125,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The Senior Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing the organization’s purchasing function to achieve service, inventory, and cost objectives. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution, serving as a player-coach who actively supports the purchasing team when needed. This individual applies a comprehensive knowledge of purchasing principles and supply chain practices to manage vendor relationships, ensure quality standards, and control costs, while leading a team and administering established policies and procedures.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of purchasing, sourcing, and supply chain principles
Proven ability to lead while remaining hands-on in execution
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills
Detail-oriented with the ability to manage complex tasks and priorities
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and Microsoft Office tools
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred
7+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in manufacturing, consumer goods, or gift industries
Demonstrated experience managing people while actively handling purchasing responsibilities

Nice To Haves

Global sourcing experience a plus
Food industry experience a plus

Responsibilities

Lead, direct, and develop a team of buyers, with full authority for personnel decisions
Foster a high-performance, accountable culture focused on execution, responsiveness, and continuous improvement
Provide day-to-day coaching, training, and hands-on support to team members
Step in to directly manage purchasing activities during high-volume periods, team absences, or complex issues
Perform and oversee complex purchasing tasks following established processes and policies
Actively participate in purchasing activities such as placing orders, expediting shipments, resolving shortages, and addressing vendor issues
Ensure timely and accurate procurement aligned with forecast and inventory plans
Support buyers in troubleshooting supply chain challenges and escalations
Identify, evaluate, select, and negotiate with vendors to maximize quality while controlling costs
Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure reliability and service performance
Address and resolve vendor issues related to quality, delivery, shipping, and invoicing
Continuously assess supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement or cost savings
Develop and manage purchasing procedures, including RFP, RFQ, bid processes, purchase orders, and requisitions
Ensure procurement activities meet quality standards while minimizing total cost
Administer established purchasing policies and ensure compliance with company guidelines
Partner with Compliance and Quality Assurance teams in vendor approval and qualification processes
Work closely with Design, Product Development, Sales, Inventory Planning, and Warehouse teams
Support internal stakeholders in identifying sourcing solutions aligned with business needs
Collaborate with Inventory Management to ensure accurate forecasting and inventory planning
Ensure alignment between purchasing execution and broader operational goals
Evaluate and improve purchasing processes to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
Analyze purchasing data, vendor performance, and inventory trends to drive improvements
Primarily administer established policies and procedures while contributing to process enhancements and procedural changes
Support departmental budgeting and provide input into strategic planning initiatives