The Purchasing Manager oversees the process of sourcing and purchasing raw materials, equipment, and other supplies essential to the company’s operations. Duties include researching raw material suppliers and comparing costs, negotiating purchase agreements, developing inventory controls, and working with R&D, Manufacturing, Warehousing, and Sales to identify demand for materials. The Purchasing Manager is responsible for evaluating suppliers and negotiating contracts to achieve the lowest price for high-quality materials. Duties and responsibilities include: Buying goods and services for the company Negotiating contracts with suppliers to ensure the best deals on behalf of the company. Regular communication with lab, production and shipping personnel on supplier discussions and product availability. Authorizing payments and maintaining records of transactions Communicating with suppliers about material shipments and on-time deliveries Design purchasing strategies that ensure constant availability of inventory, within the company’s budget. Evaluating quality, price, reliability, technical support and availability of goods and services Developing and cultivating relationships with suppliers to ensure the company has ample supply of materials and necessary technical support. Overseeing the work of other employees involved in supply chain management. Working within and refining the company’s procurement rules and regulations. Attend industry trade shows to learn about and stay current trends and to meet suppliers. Skills and Qualifications Prior purchasing experience in a manufacturing company Knowledge of procurement software and tools including Microsoft Office and experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software Interpersonal skills such as teamwork and good listening skills Negotiation skills Excellent communication skills Ability to manage time Strong organization skills