Purchasing Manager
ERMCO
- Dyersburg, TN
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Develop, train, and execute day-to-day purchasing strategies to support production & operational needs while optimizing cost savings, quality, and lead times.
- Partner with internal departments to align purchasing activities with company goals.
- Identify, evaluate, and maintain partnerships with suppliers to ensure reliability, performance, and continuous improvement.
- Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers keeping both cost-effectiveness and quality in scope while mitigating risks in purchasing strategies.
- Monitor market trends & supplier performance for improvement opportunities.
- Manage AP Inquiries as needed with Receiving & Accounting Departments
- Lead & develop the purchasing team, communicating goals, metrics, and initiatives while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Oversee the end-to-end purchase order process: creation, tracking, and issue resolution to ensure activities comply with company policies and ethical guidelines.
- Inventory Management Experience to work with Internal Departments to manage stock levels, reduce waste, ensure storage, & improve working capital efficiencies.
- Manage & resolve Vendor Returns (RMA, Cost Recovery, Replacements)
- Manage all vendor escalations that may result in expedited freight.
- Promote ethical sourcing, sustainability, and diversity in all procurement practices.
- Use analytical & problem-solving skills to implement best practices, procurement policies, and systems to enhance efficiency, compliance, and cost savings.
- Build a culture of innovation to drive cost optimization and long-term savings.
- Experience with ERP and procurement software such as MRP, Requisitions, Power BI to track purchasing data, analyze trends, and report on KPI metrics.
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 7-10 years experience in purchasing within a manufacturing environment
- A minimum of 3 years proven experience in procurement supervision—ideally as a Purchasing, Buyer, or Expeditor Lead, Supervisor, or Manager.
- Knowledge of supply chain principles, procurement best practices, and vendor relations.
- Strong negotiation, supplier contract management, and strategic sourcing skills.
- Analytical mindset with experience in cost analysis and procurement forecasting.
- Experience with sourcing tools, ERP/procurement systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills. 8-D & 5 Why Root Cause Analysis is a plus.
- Experience in lean manufacturing & continuous improvement tools, Six Sigma is a plus.
- Strong interpersonal skills—you build trust with teams and vendors alike.
- Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and compliance standards.
- The ability to develop the capability in direct reports to maximize their contribution.