Purchasing Manager

Description

Are you a strategic sourcing professional with a sharp eye on commodity markets and a talent for driving cost-effective procurement solutions? Are you looking to combine analytical insight, negotiation expertise, and cross-functional collaboration in a role that directly supports operational success? If so, Jones-Hamilton Co. wants to hear from you!

Jones-Hamilton Co. is seeking a highly capable Purchasing Manager to support our manufacturing operations through strategic sourcing and procurement leadership. This pivotal role oversees the purchasing of raw materials, utilities, and energy resources, while also partnering closely with our transportation team to support the acquisition and/or lease of major transportation equipment. Acting as a key link between suppliers, operations, finance, and logistics, this position ensures that critical inputs are secured efficiently, reliably, and at optimal value.

You will monitor commodity markets and pricing trends to inform purchasing strategies and broader business planning, while leading supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and inventory planning initiatives. Leveraging ERP-driven procurement processes, you will help maintain uninterrupted operations, ensuring all materials and services meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

• Source, negotiate, and procure raw materials, utilities and energy in alignment with production requirements, quality standards, and budget targets.
• Review and analyze commodity inputs, including sulfur, sulfuric acid, aluminum, and other competitive commodities to support pricing strategies, market positioning, supply risk and sales activities.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliability, quality, and competitive pricing.
• Allocate purchases among approved suppliers to optimize cost, lead time, and contractual commitments with minimizing risks.
• Monitor supplier performance and work with Quality, EHS, and Operations teams to adhere to procedures and address issues or changes.
• Establish and maintain appropriate raw material inventory levels to support production plans while minimizing excess and obsolescence.
• Continuously review and adjust monthly purchase orders and commitments to reflect dynamic changes in plant production, maintaining accurate, up-to-date records across purchasing and ERP systems.
• Troubleshoot and address shipment discrepancies such as incomplete or incorrect paperwork, ensuring timely resolution and accurate updates across purchasing and receiving systems.
• Partner with transportation department to support the purchase and /or lease of major transportation equipment, including trucks, trailers and railcars.
• Evaluate purchase versus lease options, lifecycle costs, vendor terms and financing structures.
• Analyze forecasts, usage trends, and lead times to proactively manage supply risks.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and compliance through ERP-based controls and periodic reconciliation.
• Collaborate with Plant Management to align purchasing activities with operational needs.
• Utilize ERP systems to manage purchasing transactions, inventory data, and reporting.
• Ensure all purchasing and raw material activities comply with company policies, safety practices, and applicable environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Attend and participate in relevant industry conferences, trade shows and supplier forums to stay current with market trends, pricing, regulatory developments and emerging topics.
• Leverage conference participation to strengthen supplier relationship, identify alternative sourcing opportunities and gather market intelligence.
• Collaborate with legal to ensure contracts include appropriate commercial, legal, and risk-mitigation terms.
• Identify and implement process improvements related to procurement efficiency, inventory optimization, and cost reduction.
• Support audits and documentation related to purchasing, inventory, and regulatory compliance as required.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders regarding material availability, risks, and changes.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply…