Director of Purchasing
Position Summary
A leading innovator in the automotive aftermarket and remanufacturing sector is seeking a Director of Purchasing to lead strategic sourcing and procurement operations. This role is critical to ensuring the reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable acquisition of materials, components, and services-particularly within automotive manufacturing and hydraulic systems. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in aftermarket automotive supply chains, supplier development, and global sourcing strategies to support a rapidly growing operation focused on remanufactured and specialty vehicle components.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Purchasing Leadership
- Develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with business growth, margin improvement, and operational excellence.
- Lead and mentor a team of purchasing professionals across multiple business units focused on automotive and hydraulic systems.
- Establish procurement policies, procedures, and performance metrics to drive accountability and efficiency.
Supplier & Vendor Management
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with domestic and international suppliers specializing in automotive components, hydraulics, and remanufactured systems.
- Negotiate contracts and payment terms that maximize value and minimize risk.
- Collaborate with suppliers to enhance product quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Cost Optimization & Risk Mitigation
- Identify cost-saving opportunities through volume leverage, alternate sourcing, and value engineering-especially in automotive and hydraulic categories.
- Monitor global market trends, tariffs, and commodity pricing to inform purchasing decisions.
- Implement supplier risk assessments and contingency plans for critical supply categories.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, and Finance to align purchasing strategies with business needs.
- Support Operations in improving material availability, lead times, and inventory health for automotive and hydraulic assemblies.
- Work with Finance to ensure budget alignment and accurate forecasting.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Utilize ERP systems (Oracle preferred) to streamline purchasing workflows and enhance data accuracy.
- Drive process improvements in supplier onboarding, PO management, and compliance reporting.
- Introduce digital tools and dashboards to improve visibility into supplier performance and procurement KPIs.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).
- 10+ years of progressive experience in purchasing or procurement leadership within automotive manufacturing, aftermarket, or hydraulics industries.
- Proven track record of delivering cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
- Strong understanding of global supply chains, trade compliance, and procurement best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence senior leadership.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (Oracle preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and advanced analytics tools.
- Exceptional negotiation, communication, and strategic planning skills.
FAQs
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