Purchasing Manager

Industry Leader in motor vehicle manufacturing is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement operations within a manufacturing environment in the Greater Chicago area. This role will oversee strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, negotiations, and purchasing operations to ensure the timely availability of quality materials and services.

• Lead Purchasing Operations: Manage a team of Buyers and oversee day-to-day purchasing activities, ensuring production requirements are met efficiently and consistently.
• Drive Strategic Procurement: Develop sourcing strategies, manage supply-chain risks, identify make/buy opportunities, evaluate suppliers, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage Suppliers & Contracts: Lead supplier negotiations and contracts, strengthen supplier performance and relationships, and ensure compliance with applicable procurement and quality requirements.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and other teams on material flow, cost analysis, production transitions, pricing, and procurement-related problem solving.
• Qualifications: 7+ years of purchasing/materials management experience in manufacturing; Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field; strong negotiation, vendor management, strategic sourcing, and ERP experience (Epicor preferred); ability to interpret engineering drawings and perform root-cause analysis; proficiency with Microsoft Office. MBA, CPIM/CPP, FAR/DFARS, and ISO 9001 experience are a plus.
• Compensation & Eligibility: $50–$80/hour, plus comprehensive benefits including 401(k) with company match, medical/dental/vision, ESOP, paid time off, holidays, and employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage. Candidates must meet the definition of a U.S. Person under 22 CFR 120.62.