Purchasing Director

Director of Purchasing - Manufacturing Overview Our client is an established manufacturing company operating multiple facilities in the Kansas City area, specializing in lighting and harness production. As part of a larger enterprise with six companies, they maintain a collaborative environment across divisions including injection molding, import/export operations, and integrated manufacturing services. Due to an unexpected leadership transition, they are seeking an experienced Director of Purchasing to lead their procurement operations and guide a dedicated team of purchasing professionals. Key Responsibilities Lead and mentor a dynamic purchasing team of three buyers (one senior buyer and two buyers) Develop and implement comprehensive procurement strategies for raw materials, finished goods, supplies, and outside services Establish and maintain measurable performance metrics for procurement activities including supplier performance, quality standards, order placement efficiency, and material shortage elimination Negotiate and execute purchase orders and vendor contracts to support critical business operations Manage material flow and inventory optimization to ensure on-time customer deliveries while maintaining appropriate inventory levels Drive strategic sourcing initiatives to reduce supply chain costs through commodity strategies, supplier selection and rationalization, and supply chain solutions Lead supplier relationship development and management across a global vendor base Support new program development teams to meet target costs and establish cost models Coordinate procurement activities across multiple business divisions and subsidiary companies Report procurement status and corrective actions to executive management Manage materials savings initiatives aligned with profit objectives Interface with executive management team and associates across all organizational levels Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Purchasing, or Production/Operations Management 7-10 years of progressive experience in purchasing with extensive experience in the manufacturing industry Strong understanding of packaging components and associated commodities Proven track record of meeting substantial material cost reduction targets Strong computer skills with experience using Windows-based PC programs Excellent written and verbal communication skills Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills Ability to coordinate multiple group efforts across the organization to achieve objectives Experience managing and developing purchasing professionals Preferred Qualifications Professional certifications such as CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager), CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management), CSM (Certified Supply Manager), or equivalent Experience in a strategic procurement setting within a mid- to large-size manufacturing organization Experience working in multi-division or multi-company environments Knowledge of vendor managed inventory (VMI), supplier consignment, and advanced supply chain solutions Salary: $107,000 - $115,000 annually (base salary) Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, 401(k) retirement plan, and additional standard benefits Leave: Competitive paid time off and leave policies Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. 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