Director of Purchasing

The Director of Purchasing is responsible for overseeing and managing the company's purchasing activities. This role focuses on developing purchasing and inventory strategies to source, negotiate, and acquire goods and services that meet the company's quality, cost, and delivery requirements. The Director ensures that purchasing policies, procedures, and systems align with the company's objectives, while fostering strong relationships with suppliers and vendors. This leadership position will also ensure continuous improvement in the purchasing process and play a key role in cost savings and operational efficiency initiatives.

The ideal candidate must have experience overseeing purchasing and inventory management for a multi-site, multi-district retail chain. Additionally, experience in consumer goods purchasing is required.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Purchasing and Inventory Management:

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies to support the company's goals in cost savings, supplier diversity, and innovation.
• Align purchasing strategies with overall business objectives, including sales forecasts, production schedules, and financial targets.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers; establish strong, long-term partnerships to ensure high-quality, cost-effective procurement of goods and services.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to identify, develop, and implement instructions, policies, and procedures for purchasing, inventory recordkeeping, and contract management.
• Review overselling and under-selling SKUs from retail operations, adjusting forecasts as necessary.
• Manage the at-risk SKU process, including regularly running reports, adjusting sales forecasts, and collaborating with cross-functional department leaders to review ordering attributes as needed.
• Oversee the item change process, including deletions, substitution rules, and unit of measure changes.
• Partner with senior management to address stock and non-stock items and develop exit strategies for surplus inventory.
  
  

Vendor Management

• Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms and conditions while mitigating risks.
• Monitor supplier performance, ensuring adherence to service level agreements, quality standards, and delivery timelines.
• Lead efforts to resolve disputes or issues related to delivery, pricing, or product quality.
• Attend trade shows and collaborate with senior management on new product listings and stay informed about industry trends.
  
  

Team Leadership

• Lead and manage the purchasing team, providing guidance, support, and training to ensure high performance.
• Set goals, review performance, and foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and efficiency.
  
  

Budget And Cost Management

• Oversee the purchasing budget, ensuring that procurement processes remain cost-effective and aligned with financial goals.
• Continuously seek opportunities for cost reductions and efficiency improvements.
• Analyze spending trends and purchasing patterns to identify areas for process improvement and savings.
  
  

Compliance And Risk Management

• Ensure that all purchasing activities comply with legal and company policies, including ethical sourcing, environmental standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain, including supply disruptions, pricing volatility, and product availability issues.
• Maintain up-to-date records of supplier contracts, procurement documents, and regulatory certifications.
  
  

Reporting And Analysis

• Prepare regular reports on procurement activities, including cost savings, vendor performance, and market conditions.
• Monitor and analyze market trends, supply chain disruptions, and price fluctuations to inform procurement decisions.
• Prepare and present market conditions and merchandise cost reports.
• Review and modify demand forecasts for inventory items, purchasing systems, and reporting tools.
  
  

Education

• Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field.
• MBA or relevant advanced degree is a plus.
  
  

Experience

• 8+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership or director-level role.
• Proven experience in negotiating complex contracts and managing vendor relationships.
• Experience in cost reduction initiatives and process improvement is essential.
  
  

Skills And Competencies

• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement processes, vendor management, and strategic sourcing.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess market trends, pricing structures, and supply chain risks.
• Familiarity with procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa).
• Leadership skills with a focus on team development, coaching, and performance management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

Certifications

• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or similar certifications are a plus.
  
  

Additional Information

• Travel: Occasional travel may be required to meet with suppliers, attend trade shows, or visit company sites.
• Work Environment: This role primarily operates in an office setting but may require visits to suppliers, warehouses, and production sites.
  
  

EEO Statement

Met-Cap Management is committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment. We are a proud equal opportunity employer that welcomes and strongly encourages all races, religions, nationalities, genders, the LGTBQIA+ community, and people with disabilities to apply. Our ability to attract and retain a talented and dedicated workforce that reflects the diverse backgrounds of those we serve is what drives our success. We continue to promote an environment of continuous learning, inclusion, mutual respect, and belonging to ensure our employees feel valued, seen, and heard.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

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