Purchasing Manager

Full-time

Description

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading all purchasing, materials planning, warehousing oversight, and logistics functions in support of steel lithography and can manufacturing operations at The Ohio Art Company. This role ensures continuity of supply, cost control, transportation efficiency, inventory optimization, and supplier performance while supporting production schedules and long-term operational growth. The Purchasing Manager provides leadership over logistics strategy and execution and will play a key role in transitioning purchasing and logistics responsibilities from the New Jersey operation to Bryan, Ohio.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong purchasing, vendor negotiation, and inventory management experience within a manufacturing setting. This position requires the ability to manage high-volume material flow, maintain production continuity, and drive cost-efficiency initiatives.

Candidates must possess:

• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing operations
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel
• Strong analytical and cost analysis capabilities
• Working knowledge of industrial materials and quality systems
• Effective cross-functional communication skills
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities

Experience in metals or packaging manufacturing and familiarity with ISO standards are strongly preferred. Experience in a union environment is highly desirable.

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner

Creativity – Ability to deviate from standardized work and establish new process and procedures

Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs and requests, solicits feedback, and meets commitments

Organization - Prioritizes and uses time efficiently, requiring limited supervision.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy through thoroughness and strong attention to detail.

Quantity - Meets productivity standards and completes work in a timely manner.

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and is able to work with unexpected delays or events

Dependability – Consistently at work and on time, responds to management instructions, and solicits feedback to improve performance

Safety and Security – Complies with all Corporate Safety and Security procedures

Team Player – Ability to apply teamwork and positive leadership qualities to promote a collaborative work environment

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES :

Purchasing & Supply Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for raw materials (steel, coatings, inks), packaging components, MRO supplies, and services.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial terms to optimize total landed cost.
• Lead supplier selection, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and qualify alternate suppliers to mitigate supply chain risk.
• Manage purchase order execution and resolve invoice discrepancies in partnership with Finance.
• Track and report purchasing KPIs including cost savings, supplier performance, and inventory turns.

Inventory & Materials Planning

• Lead inventory management strategy to balance working capital and production continuity.
• Oversee materials planning processes to align supply with demand forecasts and production schedules.
• Drive inventory accuracy and cycle count discipline in partnership with warehouse leadership.

Warehousing & Logistics Leadership

• Lead and oversee all warehousing and logistics operations, including inbound raw materials and outbound finished goods shipments.
• Manage freight strategy, carrier relationships, routing, and transportation cost control.
• Develop and implement logistics processes to improve service levels and reduce total freight spend.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and environmental standards related to transportation and storage.
• Oversee third-party logistics providers as applicable.

Transition & Integration (NJ to Ohio)

• Lead the transition of purchasing and logistics responsibilities from the New Jersey operation to Bryan, Ohio.
• Work closely with AllState to transfer institutional knowledge, supplier relationships, and logistics processes.
• Standardize purchasing and logistics procedures across locations.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT:

This role will require significant travel (estimated 50–75%) during the transition period to support on-site integration efforts in New Jersey and ensure successful knowledge transfer and operational continuity.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

· 5+ years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.

· Experience sourcing industrial materials and production components (steel or metals experience preferred).

· Demonstrated negotiation and vendor management experience.

· Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

· ERP/MRP system experience required.

PREFERRED

· Experience in metal packaging, steel processing, or lithography manufacturing.

· Previous experience working in a union manufacturing environment.

· CPSM, CPIM, or related certification.

· Familiarity with ISO systems and Lean manufacturing principles.