Senior Purchasing ManagerThe Senior Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing the organization's purchasing function to achieve service, inventory, and cost objectives. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution, serving as a player-coach who actively supports the purchasing team when needed.This individual applies a comprehensive knowledge of purchasing principles and supply chain practices to manage vendor relationships, ensure quality standards, and control costs, while leading a team and administering established policies and procedures.Specific Duties and ResponsibilitiesLead, direct, and develop a team of buyers, with full authority for personnel decisionsFoster a high-performance, accountable culture focused on execution, responsiveness, and continuous improvementProvide day-to-day coaching, training, and hands-on support to team membersStep in to directly manage purchasing activities during high-volume periods, team absences, or complex issuesPerform and oversee complex purchasing tasks following established processes and policiesActively participate in purchasing activities such as placing orders, expediting shipments, resolving shortages, and addressing vendor issuesEnsure timely and accurate procurement aligned with forecast and inventory plansSupport buyers in troubleshooting supply chain challenges and escalationsIdentify, evaluate, select, and negotiate with vendors to maximize quality while controlling costsDevelop and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure reliability and service performanceAddress and resolve vendor issues related to quality, delivery, shipping, and invoicingContinuously assess supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement or cost savingsDevelop and manage purchasing procedures, including RFP, RFQ, bid processes, purchase orders, and requisitionsEnsure procurement activities meet quality standards while minimizing total costAdminister established purchasing policies and ensure compliance with company guidelinesPartner with Compliance and Quality Assurance teams in vendor approval and qualification processesWork closely with Design, Product Development, Sales, Inventory Planning, and Warehouse teamsSupport internal stakeholders in identifying sourcing solutions aligned with business needsCollaborate with Inventory Management to ensure accurate forecasting and inventory planningEnsure alignment between purchasing execution and broader operational goalsEvaluate and improve purchasing processes to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalabilityAnalyze purchasing data, vendor performance, and inventory trends to drive improvementsPrimarily administer established policies and procedures while contributing to process enhancements and procedural changesSupport departmental budgeting and provide input into strategic planning initiativesKnowledge/Skills/Education/ExperienceComprehensive knowledge of purchasing, sourcing, and supply chain principlesProven ability to lead while remaining hands-on in executionStrong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skillsDetail-oriented with the ability to manage complex tasks and prioritiesExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAdvanced proficiency in MS Excel and Microsoft Office toolsBachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred7+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in manufacturing, consumer goods, or gift industriesDemonstrated experience managing people while actively handling purchasing responsibilitiesGlobal sourcing experience a plusFood industry experience a plusKey Role ExpectationsFunctions as a working manager, not solely a delegatorBalances tactical execution with leadership responsibilitiesProvides direct, hands-on support to ensure team success and continuity of operationsDrives both operational excellence and continuous improvement