Purchasing Manager

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and managing all direct and indirect procurement activities to support business objectives, manufacturing operations, and customer requirements. This role develops sourcing strategies, manages supplier relationships, negotiates contracts, and drives cost reduction initiatives while ensuring the uninterrupted supply of materials, components, equipment, and services.

The Purchasing Manager will work closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Program Management, Finance, and suppliers to optimize procurement performance. The ideal candidate will possess strong automotive Tier 1 supplier experience and proven success managing commercial relationships and negotiations with OEM customers and suppliers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead all direct and indirect purchasing activities for manufacturing operations.
• Develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with regional and global business objectives.
• Manage sourcing, supplier selection, RFQs, negotiations, and contract administration.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers and service providers.
• Support customer programs, product launches, engineering changes, and production requirements.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, tooling agreements, and long-term supply contracts.
• Analyze market trends, commodity fluctuations, and supply chain risks to develop mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve operational, quality, delivery, and financial objectives.
• Drive annual cost reduction initiatives and support budget planning activities.
• Monitor supplier performance, including quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
• Lead supplier business reviews and corrective action activities when performance issues arise.
• Manage inventory levels to support production while minimizing working capital investment.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, customer requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Develop procurement metrics and reports to support management decision-making.
• Support regional purchasing initiatives led by the Head of Purchasing Americas.
• Lead, mentor, and develop purchasing team members.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• CPSM, CPM, APICS/ASCM, or other purchasing certifications preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive purchasing and procurement experience within an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership or management experience.
• Experience working for an Automotive Tier 1 supplier is required.
• Demonstrated experience managing both direct and indirect purchasing processes.
• Proven experience negotiating commercial agreements, pricing, and supplier contracts.
• Experience supporting automotive OEM customer programs and launch activities.
• Strong understanding of automotive supply chain requirements, customer expectations, and production planning processes.
• Experience with global sourcing and supplier development preferred.

Leadership Expectations

• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and sound business judgment.
• Serves as a strategic business partner to leadership and operational teams.
• Builds strong supplier partnerships that support organizational objectives.
• Drives continuous improvement, cost competitiveness, and supply chain excellence.
• Promotes a culture of collaboration, innovation, and employee development.

Carcoustics Tech Center North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.