Purchasing Manager

Position

Purchasing Manager

Chicago Metallic

1502 N Central Avenue, Humboldt TN 38343

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for sourcing and purchasing essential materials and services to meet production schedules. This role involves researching raw materials and suppliers, comparing costs, negotiating purchase agreements, and developing inventory controls to identify demand for new materials. The primary objective of these activities is to minimize the risk of business disruptions caused by shipping delays, order cancellations, or cost increases.

As a key frontline representative of the company, this position requires maintaining professional communication with both internal and external customers.

• Maintain the system of ordering materials (MRP/Crystal reports, etc.), supplies, equipment, and their storage.
• Update material and production routing sheets and update customers’ price lists.
• Solicit bids from potential suppliers and assess their quality and reliability.
• Evaluate price proposals and negotiate contracts with suppliers.
• Communicate with all department representatives for supplies and budget guidelines.
• Create purchase orders for materials and supplies necessary to meet production demands.
• Ensure accuracy of all orders.
• Communicate orders to suppliers.
• Contact suppliers to verify shipment details (quantity, pricing, and availability).
• Track and expedite orders.
• Confer with department representatives and suppliers to resolve issues or eliminate delays.
• Prepare purchasing/materials correspondence with limited supervision/direction.
• Resolve invoice problems.
• Check all deliveries/packages and distribute appropriately.
• Develop strategies and monitor performance to optimize inventory levels and report status.
• Develop the organization’s procurement rules and regulations.
• Manage receiving personnel, provide daily assignments, and perform annual reviews.
• Perform other duties related to purchasing as assigned.
• Wear safety glasses, safety shoes, earplugs, plant‑approved gloves, long pants, and short or long‑sleeved shirts when on the production floor. No tank tops or sleeveless shirts.

• Bachelor’s degree in business or supply‑chain management preferred; high school diploma or GED with 5 years of related experience and/or training will be considered.
• Understanding the flow of goods and services through a manufacturing business.
• Knowledge of procurement software and tools (Macola or SAP Business One preferred).
• Interpersonal skills such as teamwork and good listening skills.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, material safety data sheets, operating and maintenance instructions, company handbook, and procedure manuals.
• Negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to solve problems.
• Attention to detail.
• Competence in stock control and inventory procedures with ability to develop and maintain new SOPs.
• Time‑management and organizational skills.
• Ability to organize others’ work.
• Ability to train and develop direct reports.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel.