Purchasing Manager

About Us

Sparks is a leading global brand experience agency, specializing in the design and execution of award‑winning experiences that forge deep connections between brands and audiences. Recognized by Adweek as Experiential Agency of the Year, we bring a unique blend of strategic insight and execution excellence to every brand activation, corporate event, trade show exhibit, and immersive experience. Our commitment to creativity, innovation, and flawless execution drives us to craft impactful experiential marketing solutions that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust—all around the world.

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for sourcing raw materials and supplies. The Purchasing Manager will also support negotiations and the establishment of purchasing agreements with suppliers. The position is responsible for tracking and reporting key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness, as well as forecasting prices and market trends. The incumbent will work closely with the Purchasing Director ensuring cross‑functional cooperation with Sales, Operations and Administrative functions to determine what is needed and ensure timely delivery.

This position supports the Operations team and is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, working in office 2‑3 days per week based out of Fort Wayne, IN.

• Monitor and forecast upcoming levels of demand.
• Record incoming and outgoing shipments of materials.
• Perform regular cycle counts.
• Match and approve invoices against purchase orders and receiving documents.
• Maintain accurate inventory records, including quantities, units of measure, and average costs.
• Inform Executives, Sales, and Operations on slow moving material.
• Perform job cost analyses on completed jobs.
• Assist with developing and managing department budget.
• Maintain the Purchase Order database, generate accurate purchase orders, distribute, and process approved purchase orders for payment.
• Negotiate all contracts, terms and deadlines with vendors and suppliers for best pricing and terms on all materials, supplies and equipment, reviewing current contracts for pricing improvement opportunities.
• Build and maintain positive trust relationships with key suppliers and vendors.
• Assist with the development and execution of procurement strategies.
• Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness.
• Forecast price and market trends to identify changes of balance in buyer‑supplier power.
• Update and establish inventory policies that ensure a cost effective operation.
• Recommend alternate materials that improve the cost/benefit ratio for the Customer and the Company.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or equivalent related work experience.
• 3+ years of progressive purchasing and inventory experience, or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Familiarity with sourcing and vendor management.
• Excellent negotiation and networking skills.
• Strong leadership and decision making capabilities.
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Knowledge of procurement software and tools.
• Strong attention to detail, a positive attitude, and a team player.
• Ability to operate within a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, Accident and Disability
• Retirement with Company Match
• Paid Time Off

At Freeman, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.