Purchasing Manager (Distribution)
- $100,000 - $135,000
- New Berlin, WI
Established distribution company seeks Purchasing Leader!
A bit about us:
We’re a stable, family-operated company with decades of success in a fast-moving industry. With a strong regional presence and a focus on operational excellence, we take pride in delivering reliable service and building long-term relationships—both with our customers and our team members.
Why join us?
This is a high-impact role within a growing organization that values leadership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You’ll have the opportunity to lead a talented team, shape procurement strategy, and work cross-functionally to drive results. If you're looking for a role with real responsibility and room to grow, you’ll find it here.
Job Details
As our next Purchasing Manager, you’ll lead a team of 4–5 buyers and own the strategy and execution of procurement operations in a fast-paced distribution setting. This is not a manufacturing role—it’s about managing a constantly moving flow of finished goods, balancing customer demand, supplier performance, and internal process improvements.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and mentor a growing purchasing team with a focus on development, accountability, and results
Manage relationships with key suppliers and seek new vendors to enhance value and service
Establish department goals aligned with company targets (e.g., GMROI, fill rate, inventory turns)
Own inventory management practices, including setting stock levels and addressing excess/obsolete inventory
Drive continuous improvement using ERP and MRP systems for purchasing and demand planning
Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Service, and Warehouse to resolve issues and streamline operations
Build vendor performance dashboards and implement corrective actions when needed
Lead initiatives around vendor consolidation and SKU rationalization
Develop best practices for data hygiene and product information within ERP systems
Must-Have Experience:
2–3+ years of direct purchasing/buying experience
Proven experience in a distribution environment (resale of finished goods)
Prior inventory management responsibility, including setting stock levels and analyzing turns
Team leadership or supervisory experience—open to rising leaders ready for their next step
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Comfort working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
Familiarity with MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) products
Nice-to-Have Skills:
Experience mentoring or managing purchasing teams
Exposure to inventory reduction or demand planning strategies
Background in data analysis and decision-making using performance metrics
Key Responsibilities
Lead and mentor a growing purchasing team with a focus on development, accountability, and results
Manage relationships with key suppliers and seek new vendors to enhance value and service
Establish department goals aligned with company targets (e.g., GMROI, fill rate, inventory turns)
Own inventory management practices, including setting stock levels and addressing excess/obsolete inventory
Drive continuous improvement using ERP and MRP systems for purchasing and demand planning
Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Service, and Warehouse to resolve issues and streamline operations
Build vendor performance dashboards and implement corrective actions when needed
Lead initiatives around vendor consolidation and SKU rationalization
Develop best practices for data hygiene and product information within ERP systems
Must-Have Experience:
2–3+ years of direct purchasing/buying experience
Proven experience in a distribution environment (resale of finished goods)
Prior inventory management responsibility, including setting stock levels and analyzing turns
Team leadership or supervisory experience—open to rising leaders ready for their next step
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Comfort working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
Familiarity with MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) products
Nice-to-Have Skills:
Experience mentoring or managing purchasing teams
Exposure to inventory reduction or demand planning strategies
Background in data analysis and decision-making using performance metrics
Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.