General Manager Purchases
KL University, Vaddeswaram · Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
Apply & track with Apply EdgeKLU one of the most prestigious and preferred universities located in Guntur, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India!K L Deemed to be University has been ranked 35 among all IITs, IIMs, NITs and other premier institutes of India by MHRD, through NIRF rankings.K L’s Engineering College KLCE is ranked No.1 by Times of India (TOI) in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and is known for its consistent 100% placement record to all eligible students for the past 14 years.
Job Description
General Manager – PurchasesThe General Manager – Purchases leads the organization's procurement and sourcing function, responsible for ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and quality-compliant acquisition of raw materials, components, equipment, and services required for business operations.Educational QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field (MBA preferred)12–18+ years of experience in procurement/purchase functions, with at least 4–5 years in a leadership roleIndustry-specific experience preferred (manufacturing, retail, pharma, construction, etc., depending on sector)Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic ProcurementDevelop and implement procurement strategies aligned with organizational goals and cost-reduction targetsIdentify, evaluate, and develop reliable vendor/supplier base across categoriesLead negotiations for pricing, contracts, payment terms, and service level agreementsForecast material requirements in coordination with production, planning, and sales teamsVendor ManagementBuild and maintain strong supplier relationships for long-term partnershipsConduct vendor audits, performance evaluations, and risk assessmentsResolve escalated vendor disputes regarding quality, delivery, or commercial termsDrive vendor development programs to build alternate/backup sourcesOperations & ComplianceOversee end-to-end purchase cycle: requisition, RFQ/tendering, PO issuance, delivery tracking, and invoice reconciliationEnsure compliance with procurement policies, statutory regulations, and audit requirementsMonitor inventory levels in coordination with stores/warehouse to avoid stockouts or overstockingImplement and oversee ERP/procurement systems for process efficiency and transparencyCost & Budget ManagementOwn the purchase budget; track and report cost savings initiativesAnalyze market trends, commodity pricing, and currency fluctuations affecting input costsDrive value engineering and cost-reduction projects without compromising qualityTeam LeadershipLead, mentor, and manage the purchase department team across categories/locationsSet KPIs for the team (cost savings, delivery adherence, vendor performance, cycle time)Coordinate cross-functionally with production, quality, finance, and logistics departments