Director of Procurement

Director Of Procurement

First Supply, a fifth-generation family-owned company, has served the Upper Midwest for over 125 years. Guided by our Employee Value Proposition, Where Tradition Meets Innovation, we foster a workplace where people learn, grow, and contribute to a company that values its heritage while embracing progress. Our teams take pride in supporting customers and communities, creating meaningful work and rewarding careers every day.

The Director of Procurement is a strategic leader responsible for driving purchasing strategies that ensure product availability, optimize cost, and strengthen supplier performance across First Supply. This role partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to align procurement initiatives with business growth, leveraging AI, analytics, and standardized processes to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will lead and develop a high-performing team while delivering continuous improvement, supply continuity, and value creation across the organization.

• Develop, execute, and evolve procurement strategies that align with First Supply's business objectives, growth plans, and supplier commitments, while effectively managing spend and ensuring adhere to budget targets
• Lead, coach, and develop the procurement team to drive accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Lead the use of AI, automation, and advanced analytics to improve demand forecasting, purchasing accuracy, supplier insights, and decision-making
• Establish and enforce standardized procurement processes, tools, and governance to improve consistency, scalability, and decision quality
• Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to align procurement priorities with sales, operations, and inventory strategies
• Provide strategic support and analysis for vendor negotiations, including cost modeling, market insights, risk assessment, and scenario planning
• Oversee supplier performance management, ensuring accountability to contractual obligations and company standards
• Drive cost optimization initiatives through improved processes, data transparency, and informed sourcing decisions
• Analyze market trends and conditions to anticipate supply chain issues and mitigate risks
• Utilize data analytics and performance metrics to drive procurement decisions and measure success
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, industry standards, and company policies
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to address potential disruptions in the supply chain
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, contracts, and supplier performance
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency and effectiveness
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and new technologies to drive innovation within the procurement function
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement team
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field required;
  Master's degree preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in procurement, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinker with a proven track record of developing and executing successful procurement strategies
• In-depth knowledge of supply chain management, procurement processes, and supplier relationship management
• Proficient in procurement systems and Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel expertise
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

First Supply ® is a leading main channel wholesale distributor, providing industrial customers and building contractors with an extensive line of products and services. We offer a wide range of manufacturer product lines across the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, builder, waterworks, pump/well & septic,…