Purchasing Supervisor – 1st Shift (Automotive Manufacturing)

About the role

The Purchasing Supervisor leads procurement and supplier management activities to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and reliable supply of materials and services. This role oversees purchasing operations, negotiates contracts and pricing, supports inventory and budgeting objectives, and works closely with internal teams and suppliers to drive operational success and continuous improvement.

This is a full-time, exempt position that typically requires 4050 hours per week.

Responsibilities

Job-specific responsibilities

• Oversee the full procurement cycle, including sourcing, supplier selection, negotiation, contract management, and purchase order execution.
• Supervise daily purchasing activities and support the development of purchasing team members.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, delivery, responsiveness, and competitive pricing.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, terms, cost reductions, and supplier cost increases.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Source and qualify new suppliers to support production requirements, new business opportunities, and risk mitigation.
• Oversee material releases, inventory levels, and purchasing activities to support production schedules and inventory turn goals.
• Lead cost savings and continuous improvement initiatives through strategic sourcing and supplier development.
• Support capital equipment and major expenditure purchases, including vendor selection and negotiation.
• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, and Finance to support quotations, new program launches, budgeting, and business objectives.
• Maintain awareness of raw material markets, industry trends, and supply chain risks, particularly related to steel, forgings, and castings.
• Ensure purchasing practices comply with company policies, customer requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cost planning related to materials, suppliers, and capital expenditures.

General responsibilities

• Adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Follow all safety and MIOSHA requirements.
• Maintain a clean work environment.
• Participate in training and meetings.
• Follow all company Quality, Environmental, Safety, and Standards of Conduct policies.
• Report safety or quality concerns in a timely manner.
• Understand and implement Drake Driven Core Values.

Core competencies

• Communication
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Business acumen
• Coaching
• Conflict management
• Customer Orientation
• Decision making
• Delegating
• Initiative
• Integrity
• Leadership
• Negotiating
• Planning and organizing
• Problem solving
• Project management
• Quality focus
• Results driven
• Safety awareness
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management
• Writing skills

Requirements

Education and experience requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply chain, Business, Finance, Operations Management or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of purchasing/procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of forged, cast, machined, and raw material supply chains.
• Experience negotiating contracts, capital equipment purchases, and supplier agreements.
• Knowledge of inventory management, MRP/ERP systems (PLEX is a plus), and supplier performance management.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cost reduction initiatives.

Physical requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks.
• Physical stamina for production work.

Work environment

Manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, chemicals, and temperature changes. PPE required.