Purchasing Manager

Are you a strategic sourcing professional with a sharp eye on commodity markets and a talent for driving cost-effective procurement solutions? Are you looking to combine analytical insight, negotiation expertise, and cross-functional collaboration in a role that directly supports operational success? If so, Jones-Hamilton Co. wants to hear from you! Jones-Hamilton Co. is seeking a highly capable Purchasing Manager to support our manufacturing operations through strategic sourcing and procurement leadership. This pivotal role oversees the purchasing of raw materials, utilities, and energy resources, while also partnering closely with our transportation team to support the acquisition and/or lease of major transportation equipment. Acting as a key link between suppliers, operations, finance, and logistics, this position ensures that critical inputs are secured efficiently, reliably, and at optimal value. You will monitor commodity markets and pricing trends to inform purchasing strategies and broader business planning, while leading supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and inventory planning initiatives. Leveraging ERP-driven procurement processes, you will help maintain uninterrupted operations, ensuring all materials and services meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities:

Source, negotiate, and procure raw materials, utilities and energy in alignment with production requirements, quality standards, and budget targets. Review and analyze commodity inputs, including sulfur, sulfuric acid, aluminum, and other competitive commodities to support pricing strategies, market positioning, supply risk and sales activities. Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliability, quality, and competitive pricing. Allocate purchases among approved suppliers to optimize cost, lead time, and contractual commitments with minimizing risks. Monitor supplier performance and work with Quality, EHS, and Operations teams to adhere to procedures and address issues or changes. Establish and maintain appropriate raw material inventory levels to support production plans while minimizing excess and obsolescence. Continuously review and adjust monthly purchase orders and commitments to reflect dynamic changes in plant production, maintaining accurate, up-to-date records across purchasing and ERP systems. Troubleshoot and address shipment discrepancies such as incomplete or incorrect paperwork, ensuring timely resolution and accurate updates across purchasing and receiving systems. Partner with transportation department to support the purchase and /or lease of major transportation equipment, including trucks, trailers and railcars. Evaluate purchase versus lease options, lifecycle costs, vendor terms and financing structures. Analyze forecasts, usage trends, and lead times to proactively manage supply risks. Ensure inventory accuracy and compliance through ERP-based controls and periodic reconciliation. Collaborate with Plant Management to align purchasing activities with operational needs. Utilize ERP systems to manage purchasing transactions, inventory data, and reporting. Ensure all purchasing and raw material activities comply with company policies, safety practices, and applicable environmental and regulatory requirements. Attend and participate in relevant industry conferences, trade shows and supplier forums to stay current with market trends, pricing, regulatory developments and emerging topics. Leverage conference participation to strengthen supplier relationship, identify alternative sourcing opportunities and gather market intelligence. Collaborate with legal to ensure contracts include appropriate commercial, legal, and risk-mitigation terms. Identify and implement process improvements related to procurement efficiency, inventory optimization, and cost reduction. Support audits and documentation related to purchasing, inventory, and regulatory compliance as required. Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders regarding material availability, risks, and changes. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Experience:

5+ years' experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, procurement, logistics management, preferably in the chemical or manufacturing industry. Strong working knowledge of safety practices, environmental regulations, and inventory control. Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, operational environment. Effective organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications. Must be willing and able to travel by air or car. Necessary overnight travel comprising up to 25% of work time for company site visits, company events, vendor visits, and/or industry conferences, trade shows and events. Must pass required drug screening. Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

The job typically follows regular office hours, which may include standard business hours from Monday to Friday. However, flexibility in scheduling may be required to accommodate operational needs, such as attending meetings or handling urgent matters outside regular hours. Ability to travel, including driving long distances and occasional air travel. The role interacts with executives, senior management, colleagues, and external stakeholders in a professional manner, both in person and through various communication channels. The job involves primarily sedentary work, requiring prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or computer workstation to perform administrative tasks, manage communications, and coordinate schedules. Extensive use of computers and office equipment is essential for tasks such as drafting documents, managing databases, sending emails, and scheduling appointments. This requires proficient typing skills and the ability to operate office software efficiently. Tasks such as typing, filing, organizing documents, and operating office equipment require good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Strong visual and auditory abilities are essential for reading and reviewing documents, communicating effectively, and engaging in face-to-face or virtual meetings. At Jones-Hamilton Co., we are driven by operational excellence, grounded in strong partnerships, and focused on delivering measurable value. If you're passionate about strategic procurement and want to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, results-oriented environment, we invite you to apply and grow with us. This job advertisement should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of a job. The individual may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. This advertisement does not constitute an employment agreement between Jones-Hamilton Co. and the employee and is subject to change by Jones-Hamilton Co. as the needs of the organization and/or the requirements of the function change. Pay is commensurate with experience and education. Jones-Hamilton Co. is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate based on an employee's race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran/military status, or any other classification protected by law.