Purchasing Manager

Location: Columbus, OH (On-site)

Reports To: Procurement Director

Team: 3 Buyers

Industry: Packaging & Safety Supplies Distribution

About The Company

Our client helps manufacturers, warehouses, and logistics operations keep moving with dependable packaging and safety products-delivered on time, every time. As a regional industry leader with a growing national footprint, they combine deep product expertise with exceptional service and streamlined supply chain execution.

We're looking for a data-driven Purchasing Manager to lead the buying team and ensure our customers experience industry-leading fulfillment while maintaining disciplined inventory investment.

Role Overview

The Purchasing Manager will oversee a team of three buyers responsible for replenishment across domestic and international suppliers. This role is both strategic and hands-on-balancing service levels, working capital, and vendor performance. The ideal candidate thrives on analytics, process optimization, and leadership.

Your primary success measures will be:

Fulfillment: Customer order fill rate

Inventory Investment: Total inventory dollars and turns

Key Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a team of three buyers managing daily replenishment across multiple product categories and distribution centers.

Oversee both domestic and international purchasing, including vendor communication, lead-time management, and logistics coordination.

Maintain exceptional customer fulfillment by balancing supply, demand, and inventory investment.

Analyze purchasing and inventory performance through ERP data and reporting dashboards.

Collaborate with sales, operations, and warehouse teams to align purchasing strategies with demand forecasts and promotions.

Continuously improve purchasing processes and systems through automation, analytics, and best practices.

Qualifications

3-6 years of purchasing, supply chain, or inventory management experience, ideally in distribution.

3+ years of experience managing or supervising a purchasing team.

Strong ERP system proficiency (NetSuite, SAP, Epicor, or similar).

Advanced Excel and analytics skills (pivot tables, lookups, data modeling).

Proven ability to manage fulfillment and inventory KPIs simultaneously.

Excellent leadership and communication skills.

Ability to manage both domestic and international supply chains, including import documentation and freight coordination.

Preferred / Optional Qualifications:

Experience with supply and demand planning, forecasting, or S&OP processes.

Background in international sourcing or vendor development.

Permanent