THRYVE Automation designs and builds custom machines, filtration machines, robotic cells, and automation systems. Every project depends on fabricated parts, commercial components, and raw material arriving on time, to specification, and at a cost that protects project margin. When sourcing is weak, the cost shows up as eroded margin, late shipments, missing or excess inventory, expediting fees, and engineering time spent chasing parts.

The current state of the business calls for a senior buyer who will personally run strategic buying while leading the procurement teams across all locations. This is not an oversight-only management role. The successful candidate negotiates, places orders, works the ERP system, and resolves supplier problems directly, every day.

1. CORE mandate

Cost within or below margin. Every material cost is assessed and challenged when it does not make sense, keeping project spend within or below required margins.
The right parts on time for every build. Fabricated and commercial items arrive in time to hold project schedules, with expediting handled before it becomes a delay.
Strategic sourcing expansion. Current vendors are measured and developed, and new local and international vendors are engaged to widen options on quality, cost, and lead time.
Accurate, well-managed inventory. Material is available when projects need it, without excess or obsolete stock.
Disciplined systems and SOPs. Purchasing and inventory data in M1 are accurate and current, and procurement SOPs are reviewed, created, and followed.
A high-performing procurement team. Entire team works on common processes and performs at or above departmental goals.

2. Key responsibilities

Strategic sourcing and cost control

Personally sources the most critical items for active projects, at high quality and low cost.
Research and compare suppliers, selecting reliability, quality, lead time, and total cost.
Plans and leads negotiations for pricing, lead times, payment terms, and contract terms and conditions.
Develops category strategies for major spend areas such as machined and fabricated parts, robotics, motion control, pneumatics, electrical components, and raw material.
Identifies and executes cost-reduction initiatives, including consolidation, blanket agreements, and alternate sourcing.
Supports the quoting process with timely, accurate material pricing and lead times for new opportunities.

Vendor development, local and international

Engages new vendors locally and internationally to find the right parts for each project.
Visits current and prospective supplier sites to assess capability and capacity.
Maintains and expands the approved supplier database, including qualified alternates for critical items.
Manages international purchasing requirements, including lead times, freight, duties, and total landed cost.
Tracks supplier on-time delivery, quality, and cost performance, and reviews results with suppliers.
Works with quality and engineering to resolve nonconformances and drive supplier corrective action.

Purchasing execution and ERP

Issues purchase orders to the most appropriate supplier and manages them through delivery, expediting and following up as needed.
Troubleshoots supply problems directly: shortages, late shipments, nonconforming parts, and substitutions.
Uses and further develops M1, the company ERP system, as the system of record for purchasing, receiving, delivery, and inventory, and holds the team to the same standard.

Inventory management

Leads inventory planning and control for procurement-managed material at both locations.
Sets and maintains stocking levels, reorder points, and safety stock for common and critical items.
Monitors inventory with the team and determines purchase needs ahead of project demand.
Leads regular cycle counts and keeps inventory records in M1 accurate.
Reduces excess, obsolete, and slow-moving stock.

Team leadership and development

Leads procurement at a strategic level while working alongside the team, for direct visibility and to develop people through example.
Leads, mentors, and develops procurement team members across all locations.
Sets individual and team performance metrics tied to the company strategic plan.
Establishes common purchasing processes across all locations, and reviews, creates, and maintains procurement SOPs.
Runs regular procurement team meetings.
Participates in hiring, training, performance reviews, development plans, and corrective action, in partnership with Human Resources.

Department planning and budget

Contributes procurement input to the company strategic plan with the leadership team.
Builds the procurement department development plan in support of the company growth strategy.
Develops and manages the procurement department budget.
Keeps current on supply market trends, tools, and practices and applies them to improve results.

3. Culture and expectations

At THRYVE Automation, leaders work in the business, not only above it. This role is expected to model that every day.

Hands-on is the job, not a phase. This role carries its own buying workload alongside team leadership, and keeps it as the team grows, unless the VP of Operations redefines the role.
Lead from the front. Personal involvement in the work gives direct visibility into what is happening and shows the team how it should be done.
Every dollar counts. If a cost does not make sense, question it. Protecting project margin is everyone's job, and this role sets the standard.
Own the outcome. Work with minimal supervision, make the call, and bring decisions forward ready for approval.

4. Qualifications

Required

8 or more years in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain in a manufacturing machine building environment, with at least 3 years leading buyers or a purchasing team.
Experience in custom machine building, robotics, and the machine-tool or industrial-automation markets.
Proven strategic buying record: category strategy, cost reduction, supplier management, and contract negotiation.
Experience sourcing from both domestic and international suppliers.
Hands-on daily ERP experience in purchasing, receiving, and inventory, with the ability to drive data discipline in a team.
Inventory management experience, including stocking levels, cycle counts, and inventory accuracy.
Working knowledge of manufacturing processes: welding, machining, grinding, heat treating, and post-process finishing.
Ability to read engineering drawings and bills of material.
Knowledge of quality control standards and supplier corrective action.
Strong math and data analysis skills; proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Preferred

Prior M1 ERP experience.
Experience in an engineer-to-order or project-based manufacturing business.
Experience leading teams across more than one location.
Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or a related field.

Competencies

Cost discipline. Questions any cost that does not make sense and protects project margin.
Negotiation and persuasion. Wins better terms while keeping supplier relationships strong.
Ownership. Treats every shortage as theirs to solve and follows it through to delivery.
Self-starter. Acts without waiting for direction and works with minimal supervision.
Judgment under pressure. Sets priorities quickly in a fast-paced, high-volume workload across many projects.
Team player. Works openly with engineering, project management, and the shop floor to solve problems together.
Leading by example. Raises team standards through their own work as well as coaching.
Clear communication. Asks clarifying questions, listens actively, and gives concise direction.
Attention to detail. Keeps orders, data, and documentation accurate.

5. Physical requirements and travel

Ability to lift at least 50 lbs., and to stand or sit for four hours at a time, including computer work.
Regular movement around the shop floor to check parts, shipments, and inventory.
Travel between the New Albany and Richmond locations, and to current and prospective supplier sites, as required.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Strategic Sourcing Manager