PURCHASING MANAGER

Our client, an automotive manufacturer located half an hour east of Lexington is seeking a Purchasing Manager to manage all purchasing activities and ensure the timely delivery of goods and services that meet the requirments of support staff and production while ensuring the best value for dollars spent. This will include setting up policies, negotiating contracts, managing the entire purchasing function and a small team.

The person selected for this position will establish department goals and objectives based on the President's policy, the Purchasing long-term plan and divisional requirements; administer order placement by assuring it is done in a timely manner and meets customer specifications/expectations; direct, review and approve work assignments within the department; prepare reports and review the reports (cost savings, expenditures, monthly reports and project update reports) of others for submission to purchasing top management; negotiate resolution of difficult situations relative to purchasing activity both within and outside of the company; evaluate team members' work performance and assists in upgrading their development and skills; perform human resource activities including tracking of time and attendance, associate conseling, scheduling, etc.

The selected applicant will also be expected to foster high morale and teamwork in the purchasing department by supporting the activities of subordinates through daily interaction and one-on-one contact; review purchasing policies and procedures and recommend revisions where appropriate; maintain an appropriate level of conventionality and conformance in regard to the corporate culture as expressed in the Associate Handbook. Ideal candidates should have the ability to relate well with others, including as appropriate, peers, supervisors, subordinates, customers and suppliers while maintaining good attendance.

The position also prepares department budget, supports centralized purchasing activities as requested by DIAM, conducts supplier plant audits, conducts periodic price reviews, may assume responsibilities of team members in their absence, maintains appropriate expertise and utilizes all resources available to ensure an effective technical level, interviews candidates and selects potential new hires, travels as needed based on Company business requirements, fulfills administrative and other duties as assigned, reviews and approves expenses up to $2,000 and fixed assets of up to $5,000.

Selected applicants will possess an in-depth knowledge of puchasing procedures and terms, proven management skills, strong written and oral communication skills and presentation skills, as well as the ability to negotiate and provide input and recommendations both internally and externally, coordinate and monitor a high level of activity as demonstrated under a variety of conditions and constraints, comprehend complex instructions and respond effectively as well as to perform basic arithemetic accurately and quickly. Knowledge of appropriate office software appications is required in addition to strong organizational and time management skills. Bachelor's degree, 12+ years exempt experience and 4+ years management experience is required.