Senior Purchasing Manager

Description

A global automotive manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) procurement activities across North America. This role will be responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, leading contract negotiations, driving cost reduction initiatives, and overseeing a team of procurement professionals.

The ideal candidate will possess strong strategic sourcing expertise, supplier negotiation experience, and a proven track record of leading purchasing teams in a complex manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives for MRO spend categories.
• Analyze market conditions, supplier capabilities, risks, and opportunities to support procurement decisions.
• Lead RFQ/RFP activities and negotiate complex supplier agreements.
• Drive cost savings, process improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs, scorecards, and supplier reviews.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks while ensuring business continuity.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance requirements, and sustainability initiatives.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Manufacturing, Finance, Engineering, and Supply Chain stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and develop purchasing professionals through coaching, performance management, and skills development.
• Prepare and present procurement-related reports and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support a culture of collaboration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Skills & Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience.
• 3+ years of direct people leadership experience.
• Strong background in strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Experience managing MRO or indirect procurement categories within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven success leading cost reduction and supplier performance initiatives.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred Experience

• Manufacturing environment experience.
• Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen methodologies.
• Supplier risk management.
• Strategic sourcing and category management.
• Experience supporting multiple facilities or regional operations.
• ERP system experience (SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms).

This is a Permanent position based out of Southfield, MI.

The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $170000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Full benefits, med, vision, and dental

This is a hybrid position in Southfield,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.