Our client is a rapidly growing industrial manufacturing company, aiming to scale from $30M to $150M in revenue within five years. As part of this ambitious growth strategy, they seek a Procurement Manager to build and lead a strategic sourcing function, drive supplier diversification, and implement optimal systems and processes. This role offers a unique opportunity to take full ownership of procurement transformation, supplier risk mitigation, and cost optimization in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
Why Join?
- Growth & Impact: Lead the transition of procurement from transactional purchasing to a strategic function.
- Ownership & Leadership: Establish and scale the procurement team while shaping the company’s long-term supply chain strategy.
- Strategic Challenge: Spearhead the shift from 50% China-based sourcing to a diversified global supplier network (targeting below 25% within five years).
- Innovative Environment: Work directly with executive leadership to optimize procurement and supply chain processes.
- Career Advancement: Develop a high-impact procurement function from the ground up in a fast-paced, industrial manufacturing setting.
Key Responsibilities
Global Sourcing & Supplier Strategy
- Drive the strategic initiative to diversify the supplier base away from China, prioritizing domestic and international alternatives.
- Identify, evaluate, and establish new supplier relationships that improve cost, quality, and supply chain resilience.
- Conduct on-site supplier visits domestically and internationally to validate capabilities and ensure compliance.
Procurement Leadership & Department Development
- Build and lead the procurement function, implementing best practices, systems, and processes.
- Develop and mentor a procurement team to support operational efficiency and strategic growth.
- Establish KPIs for procurement, including on-time delivery, cost reduction, inventory levels, and supplier performance.
Operational Excellence & Cost Optimization
- Implement scalable procurement strategies to optimize inventory management and cost control.
- Improve cash flow through strategic supplier agreements, prepayment structures, and inventory ownership models.
- Negotiate supplier contracts, focusing on cost efficiencies, long-term agreements, and volume-based incentives.
Supplier Quality & Compliance
- Ensure suppliers meet quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing standards.
- Conduct supplier audits and performance tracking to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead risk mitigation strategies to secure a sustainable and resilient supply chain.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
- Partner with logistics and supply chain teams to improve inbound freight, inventory flow, and supply reliability.
- Engage with executive leadership to present procurement transformation plans and execution roadmaps.
Qualifications & Experience
Must-Have Experience:
- 7+ years in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, preferably in industrial manufacturing.
- Proven track record of leading global supply chain transitions, particularly supplier diversification away from China.
- Experience managing $10M+ annual procurement spend, with expertise in inventory optimization.
- Ability to design and implement procurement strategies that support aggressive business growth.
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and cost-reduction expertise.
- Data-driven decision-maker with proficiency in procurement analytics and KPIs.
Industry Knowledge & Leadership Skills:
- Experience in industrial manufacturing and mechanical components (electrical products experience less relevant).
- Understanding of material and mechanical specifications to drive profitability.
- Background in managing high SKU, low-volume procurement environments.
- Hands-on leadership style—able to develop and execute strategies independently.
Additional Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
- Willingness to travel extensively early on (domestic & international), including supplier site visits.
- Strong communication and decision-making skills—must be able to formulate a plan and execute efficiently.
- Preference for candidates who thrive in an office-centric culture (relocation assistance available if needed).
Compensation & Benefits
- Career growth in a fast-moving, high-impact environment.
- Direct collaboration with executive leadership to shape procurement strategy.
- Hybrid flexibility when necessary, with a strong office-first culture.
Is This You?
This role is ideal for a hands-on Procurement Leader ready to take ownership of a supply chain transformation. If you are results-driven, excel at strategic sourcing, and have successfully led international supplier transitions, we want to hear from you!
About Blue Signal:
As an award-winning executive search firm, Blue Signal has a strong track record of placing top talent in the manufacturing & industrial space, with expertise in manufacturing leadership, engineering, supply chain, and logistics roles. Leare more at bit.ly/3D3a7NH