Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and dynamic Director of Procurement to join a growing team in Salina, Kansas. This leadership role is ideal for an experienced procurement professional with a proven track record in supply chain management, sourcing, and industrial manufacturing, particularly in the steel sector. The Director of Procurement will oversee and drive the company's procurement strategies, leading a team to optimize the purchasing function, ensure cost-effective sourcing, and build strong relationships with suppliers to support operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the procurement department, ensuring the efficient and effective acquisition of goods and services.
- Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans to meet the company's manufacturing and production needs, with a focus on steel procurement.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including operations, production, and finance to align procurement strategies with organizational goals.
- Oversee supply chain activities, ensuring timely delivery of materials and optimizing inventory management to support continuous production operations.
- Foster strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers, negotiating pricing, terms, and contracts to ensure the best value and mitigate risk.
- Drive cost-saving initiatives and process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement team, promoting a collaborative and results-driven environment.
- Monitor market trends, competitive pricing, and supplier performance to ensure optimal decision-making and supply chain resilience.
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards, maintaining ethical sourcing practices.
- Manage domestic and international travel requirements for supplier visits, site assessments, and procurement negotiations.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field (MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred).
- A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
- Strong experience in industrial manufacturing procurement, with a preference for steel industry experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in sourcing, supply chain management, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
- Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams to achieve high performance and meet organizational objectives.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal teams and external suppliers.
- Ability to manage domestic and international travel up to 20%.
- In-depth knowledge of procurement software, supply chain management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.