VP of Purchasing

Our client in the manufacturing distribution industry is seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President of Purchasing to lead enterprise-wide procurement, sourcing, vendor management, and inventory planning initiatives. This executive will be responsible for developing purchasing strategies that optimize cost, improve supplier performance, ensure product availability, and support the company's continued growth across multiple locations.

The VP of Purchasing will serve as a key member of the leadership team, partnering closely with Operations, Finance, Branch Leadership, Sales, and Supply Chain teams to drive operational excellence while maintaining strong supplier relationships and ensuring inventory availability for customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with company growth objectives
• Lead all sourcing, procurement, supplier negotiations, and contract management activities
• Manage strategic relationships with manufacturers, distributors, and key vendor partners
• Drive inventory optimization initiatives balancing service levels, working capital, and profitability
• Establish purchasing policies, procedures, and controls to ensure consistency and compliance
• Analyze market trends, pricing fluctuations, lead times, and supply chain risks to support strategic decision-making
• Identify cost reduction opportunities through supplier negotiations, purchasing leverage, and process improvements
• Collaborate with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and inventory investment strategies
• Evaluate supplier performance using KPIs related to quality, delivery, pricing, and responsiveness
• Lead, mentor, and develop purchasing, procurement, and inventory management teams
• Oversee purchasing technology, reporting, and data analytics to improve decision-making and visibility
• Partner with Sales and Operations leadership to ensure inventory supports customer demand and business objectives
• Monitor industry trends and competitive market conditions to maintain purchasing excellence
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout procurement and supply chain functions

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Finance, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive procurement, purchasing, or supply chain leadership experience
• 5+ years leading high-performing purchasing or procurement teams
• Experience managing large vendor relationships and negotiating significant supply agreements
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, inventory investment, and cost control initiatives
• Demonstrated success improving purchasing performance, inventory turns, and supplier effectiveness
• Experience operating within multi-location distribution, wholesale, industrial, construction products, manufacturing, or building materials environments
• Advanced analytical, negotiation, and leadership skills
• Strong executive presence and ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders

Preferred

• Experience within HVAC, plumbing, industrial distribution, construction products, building materials, electrical distribution, or related industries
• MBA or advanced business degree
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or CPM
• Experience leading ERP optimization and purchasing system improvements

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
• Results-driven and highly accountable
• Effective negotiator and relationship builder
• Data-driven decision maker
• Strong people leader and talent developer
• Collaborative executive partner
• Change management and continuous improvement mindset

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary with Bonus
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Executive leadership opportunity with a growing industry leader