Purchasing Manager – Global Supply Chain Leadership

About the role

Our client, a leading manufacturer in heavy‑industry sectors such as off‑road equipment, defense, rail and mining, is seeking a senior Purchasing Manager. You will own the end‑to‑end Buy Complete purchasing function, lead a small high‑performing team and expand the international supplier network, especially across Asia and India.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a purchasing team (Buyer, Asian Sourcing Leader, Purchasing Assistant).
• Own supplier qualification, onboarding, relationship management and performance oversight for local and global sources.
• Drive cost‑reduction, benchmarking, re‑sourcing and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Prepare trimester vendor pricing and negotiate final prices with overseas suppliers.
• Manage long‑lead‑time materials, forecast‑driven purchasing and inventory risk.
• Assess and mitigate geopolitical, logistical and supply‑chain risks.
• Utilise ERP/MRP systems for planning, inventory targets and operational decisions.
• Collaborate with Scheduling, Production, Quality, Engineering and Customer Service.
• Develop and expand the supplier network in India and other strategic regions.
• Define and communicate purchasing policies, procedures and best practices.

Required profile

• 3+ years of leadership experience in purchasing, procurement or supply‑chain within manufacturing.
• Hands‑on experience sourcing machined, fabricated, cast or other industrial components.
• Proven track record working with overseas suppliers; Asia experience required, India experience a strong asset.
• Degree or diploma in Supply Chain Management or related field; SCMP or APICS certification preferred.

Required skills

• ERP/MRP proficiency – Visual Manufacturing or similar.
• Foreign‑exchange knowledge and its impact on purchasing.
• Lean methodology and continuous‑improvement techniques.
• Forecast buying and inventory management expertise.
• Supplier qualification and performance management.
• Commercial negotiation and pricing skills.