Procurement Team Lead

Job description: Responsible for overseeing and executing the purchasing function, supervising and developing staff, managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring efficient, timely and cost-effective procurement practices. The team leader will manage the sourcing and procurement operations. This role is critical in developing and executing procurement strategies that optimize costs, improve supply chain reliability and purchasing efficiency, and ensure the stability of quality materials within the supply chain. The successful candidate for this position has experience in the manufacturing industry and a strong understanding of supply chain management concepts, a data-driven leader with strong leadership skills, negotiation experience, ability to work cross-functionally with sales, finance, operations teams, stakeholders, brokers and international vendors (China). Flexibility with schedule is a must since when handling international vendors.

Knowledge/Skills:

Effective computer skills; Microsoft Office Software and discipline specific software applications Detailed understanding of supply chain principles Exceptional verbal and written communication skills Good organizational skills, and ability to be self-motivated. Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills Exceptional organizational and time-management skills Strong negotiation skills with the ability to reason and influence at all Strong leadership skills, demonstrating ethical behavior and trustworthiness along with relationship building, adaptability, empowerment and motivation; hands on. Strong teamwork skills with the ability to team up with cross-functional peers and managers to analyze and solve cross functional problems to fulfill customer expectations and to achieve or exceed the defined business goals. 3-5 years' experience working with international suppliers; including the customs and clearance process. Qualifications -

Education/Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in related field preferred (Business Administration, Supply Chain Management) plus 2-4 years directly related experience. Ability to represent the operation in a professional manner, communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. 3-5 years' experience working with international customs and clearance 3-5 years' experience working with international suppliers and imports

Duties/Responsibilities:

(Position Specific): Supervises and manages procurement staff, including training, and performance evaluation. Manages the daily activities of the purchasing function. Work with international suppliers and imports; international customs and clearance; international codification and tariffs Evaluates and analyzes purchasing trends and price trends to identify forecast demand and minimize purchasing costs. Ensure that department purchasing activities are carried out appropriately and in compliance with the company's procurement code. Prepares accurate and legally correct specifications and contracts. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. Analyzes complex problems, evaluates alternatives, and makes creative recommendations. Establish clear procurement goals, KPIs, and performance benchmarks for the team to drive efficiency and accountability. Foster collaboration across procurement, sales, finance, operations, and production teams to create a streamlined purchasing process. Ensure cross-functional alignment by working closely with finance to manage procurement budgets, pricing strategies, and cost forecasting. Evaluate supplier performance using key metrics, and propose corrective action as needed. Build contingency plans for material shortages, supplier failures, and global supply chain disruptions to prevent production delays. Monitor supplier performance metrics, risk, and market trends- adjusting procurement strategies to navigate global supply chain challenges. Assess and refine procurement processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, reduce waste, and enhance supplier performance and collaboration. Utilize ERP systems to track procurement activities, automate purchasing workflows, and improve procurement and inventory transparency. Develop and maintain real-time procurement dashboards to monitor KPIs and costs. Utilize data analytics and market intelligence to improve decision making and optimize spending.

KPIs and Metrics:

Time to order On time delivery Past dues ERP data accuracy Cost savings Team member compliance with company policies and rules Leadership survey results

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

International Customs/Clearance:

3 years (Required)

Procurement:

5 years (Required)