Strategic Purchasing Director

Deutsche Windtechnik•Houston, TX

35d

About The Position

Strategic Purchasing Director Deutsche Windtechnik (DWT) is Germany’s largest Independent Service Provider, offering a comprehensive service package for Wind Turbine Generators (WTG) from one single source. With more than 9,000 WTGs under contract and more than 2,200 worldwide employees operating in Europe, the US and Asia, Deutsche Windtechnik sets the bar for Independent Service Provider services. Deutsche Windtechnik (DWT) came to North America and started operations here in 2018.Headquartered in Houston, TX., it is our goal to set the standard for best-in-class levels of quality, safety, efficiency, and customer service in the US market. Are you prepared to advance your career as a Strategic Purchasing Manager / Director? In the capacity of a Strategic Purchasing Manager / Director at DWT, your contribution is crucial to fostering the company's expansion. The Strategic Purchasing Manager / Director will lead and optimize procurement operations within our organization. This role is key to driving supplier performance, supporting project delivery, and localizing components in coordination with our U.S. and German teams. The ideal candidate will bring strong vendor negotiation skills, deep experience in procurement process optimization, and the ability to mentor and guide team members across departments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
5+ years of procurement experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or engineering environment.
Valid Driver’s License
Proven track record in supplier negotiation, localization, and process optimization.
Experience with ERP systems (preferably IFS and ProAlpha) and strong data analysis skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to collaborate across departments.
Excellent organizational and project management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of EHS and quality assurance standards in a technical environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with international vendors or multi-national procurement processes.
Hands-on experience in logistics, warehousing, or materials management.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage strong relationships with vendors, distributors, and internal teams including Sales, Engineering, EHS, and QA
Localize and source components from U.S. suppliers, working closely with German and U.S. departments to ensure alignment and compliance
Analyze procurement activities, recommend improvements, and implement efficient procurement methods, including standardization and cooperative buying
Negotiate pricing, terms, deadlines, and expectations with vendors while sourcing competitive quotes for materials
Identify and qualify new vendors to support strategic growth and business execution
Conduct vendor audits and on-site visits to ensure quality, KPIs, and EHS compliance
Liaise with project managers to ensure material updates, delivery accuracy, and ongoing procurement support
Evaluate vendor bids, terms, and proposals to ensure alignment with DWT standards and deliver cost-effective solutions.
Maintain accurate vendor performance databases and administer contracts, NDAs, and term sheets.
Provide procurement and operations staff with day-to-day guidance and ERP system (IFS and ProAlpha) support.
Monitor market and delivery trends to evolve procurement strategies accordingly.
Assist with inventory management, goods receiving, and order preparation in collaboration with the Inventory Manager.
Participate in pre-deployment and site transition meetings to anticipate business needs and propose proactive solutions.
Uphold safety protocols while in warehouse environments, including use of proper PPE.