Director of Procurement - Manufacturing

Director of Procurement - ManufacturingConfidential Client | Manufacturing | Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain LeadershipLocation: Flexible (Multi-Site Manufacturing Environment)Reports To: President & Executive LeadershipExecutive OpportunityOur client is a respected, privately held North American manufacturer with multiple production facilities and a strong reputation for quality, customer service, and operational excellence. As the company continues to grow, it is seeking an accomplished Director of Procurement to modernize and lead its procurement function.This executive leadership role offers the opportunity to build upon a solid purchasing foundation by developing strategic sourcing initiatives, strengthening supplier partnerships, improving procurement processes, optimizing inventory, and delivering measurable cost savings across the organization.The Director of Procurement will serve as a key member of the leadership team, partnering closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Finance, Sales, Customer Service, and Executive Leadership to improve profitability, increase operational efficiency, and support long-term business growth.This is an outstanding opportunity for a procurement leader who enjoys building best practices, driving change, and creating strategic value within a growing manufacturing organization.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Procurement & Supplier ManagementDevelop and execute a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with the company's business objectives.Build strong, long-term relationships with strategic suppliers while identifying new sourcing opportunities that improve competitiveness.Lead negotiations involving pricing, contracts, freight, payment terms, inventory programs, and supplier performance agreements.Monitor market conditions, raw material trends, supply chain risks, and industry developments to proactively manage sourcing strategies.Establish supplier performance metrics, scorecards, and continuous improvement initiatives.Purchasing OperationsOversee purchasing activities for raw materials, production supplies, and indirect materials.Develop procurement policies, purchasing procedures, and approval processes that support operational excellence.Ensure timely material availability while balancing inventory investment and working capital objectives.Collaborate with manufacturing and operations teams to support production schedules and customer commitments.Drive procurement process improvements through technology, ERP optimization, and data-driven decision making.Inventory OptimizationDevelop inventory planning strategies that improve inventory turns while maintaining customer service levels.Reduce excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory through improved forecasting and purchasing discipline.Improve the accuracy of purchasing data, inventory records, supplier information, and ERP master data.Create reporting and dashboards that provide visibility into inventory performance and procurement effectiveness.Financial LeadershipPartner with Finance to improve product costing, purchasing analytics, and profitability reporting.Analyze supplier cost trends and recommend sourcing strategies that protect margins.Support commercial pricing initiatives by providing market intelligence and cost analysis.Identify opportunities for sustainable cost savings and operational efficiencies throughout the supply chain.Monitor procurement KPIs including purchase price variance, supplier performance, inventory investment, and cost reduction initiatives.Leadership & CollaborationLead, coach, and develop the procurement and purchasing team.Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and operational excellence.Partner closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Sales, Finance, Logistics, and Executive Leadership to support company objectives.Champion strategic procurement initiatives across multiple manufacturing locations.QualificationsRequired8–15+ years of progressive procurement, strategic sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.Demonstrated success negotiating complex supplier agreements and managing strategic vendor relationships.Strong experience with inventory management, procurement systems, ERP platforms, and purchasing analytics.Proven ability to develop procurement strategies that improve cost, service, and operational performance.Strong financial and business acumen with experience supporting profitability and margin improvement initiatives.Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.PreferredExperience in one or more of the following industries is highly desirable:PackagingPaper & PaperboardCorrugatedConsumer ProductsIndustrial ManufacturingBuilding ProductsPlasticsEngineered ProductsFood ManufacturingMetalsDistributionExperience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations is considered a strong asset.Core CompetenciesStrategic SourcingSupplier Relationship ManagementContract NegotiationCost ReductionInventory OptimizationERP & Procurement SystemsSupply Chain ManagementFinancial AnalysisProcess ImprovementContinuous ImprovementExecutive LeadershipCross-Functional CollaborationMeasures of SuccessThe successful candidate will:Develop a world-class procurement function that supports business growth.Deliver measurable cost savings and improved supplier performance.Improve inventory management and working capital utilization.Enhance procurement processes through technology and data-driven decision making.Build strong strategic supplier partnerships that reduce risk and improve supply continuity.Strengthen collaboration across manufacturing, operations, finance, and commercial teams.CompensationA highly competitive executive compensation package, including base salary, annual performance incentive, comprehensive benefits, and retirement program, will be offered commensurate with experience.Why This Opportunity?This is a rare opportunity to join a financially strong, growth-oriented manufacturing organization where procurement is viewed as a strategic business function. The successful candidate will have the autonomy to influence company-wide purchasing strategy, lead meaningful operational improvements, and make a measurable impact on profitability and long-term growth.