The Purchasing Department Manager leads all purchasing operations to ensure consistent product availability, supplier performance, and operational execution. This is a hands-on working manager role responsible for both leading the team and directly managing a portfolio of key suppliers.
This position is accountable for building a high-performing team and reinforcing a culture grounded in Essex’s core values: We Take Ownership, We Help & Assist, We Do the Right Thing, and We Are Growth Oriented.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership, Management, & Accountability
Lead, coach, and develop the Purchasing team to drive accountability and results
Provide clear expectations regarding measurables, Core Values, Fundamentals, and roles & responsibilities
Foster a collaborative, solution-oriented team environment
Participate in regularly scheduled meetings as a department
Perform quarterly check-in conversations and annual performance reviews
Administer training in job related duties and company SOPs, as required
Develop and maintain relevant SOPs for the team.
Act as a role model for urgency, ownership, and follow-through
Purchasing Operations (Working Manager)
Directly manage a book of suppliers, including purchasing, forecasting, and issue resolution
Oversee full purchase order lifecycle (creation, maintenance, cost accuracy, expediting, closure)
Ensure material availability and accurate system data across purchasing platforms
Act as escalation point for shortages, backorders, and critical supply issues
Oversee inventory planning, replenishment, and stock levels by SKU and location
Manage excess, aging, and damaged inventory, including disposition and claims
Coordinate with warehouse operations to maintain inventory accuracy and flow
Develop and manage strong supplier relationships to ensure service, quality, and reliability
Drive supplier performance on pricing, delivery, and responsiveness
Partner with Sales and Customer Service to support customer commitments and resolve issues
Performance & Continuous Improvement
Monitor and drive key metrics (fill rate, backorders, supplier performance, inventory levels)
Lead process improvements and standardization across purchasing activities
Utilize reporting and data to identify issues and drive corrective actions
Bachelor's degree required
5+ years of purchasing, supply chain, or related experience
3+ years of leadership experience preferred
Knowledge of inventory control, food safety, distribution, and logistics and the ability to apply to practical situations.
Advanced knowledge of MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.)
Advanced knowledge of ERP and CRM systems; experience in Sage X3 preferred
Licenses/Credentials/Certifications
Specialized Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Proven Management and/or relationship management experience
Strong communication skills, and able to lead and motivate team members, while driving consistent results
Strong leadership and management skills in accordance with Essex Core Values
Self-Driven, motivated individual with an active continuous improvement approach
Working Hours/Environment
Office hours are 40-50 per week – Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 5:00; may require additional hours periodically, including evening and weekends depending on business needs
Work typically performed in an indoor office setting
Personal computer, copier, fax/scanner, phone, and other typical office equipment
Physical & Mental Demands
Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for long period of time
Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time
Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment
Light lifting and carrying of supplies, files, etc.
Ability to speak to and hear employees/clients via phone or in person
Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move around the office environment
This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. This job description is not intended and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or work conditions associated with the job. Furthermore, the employer reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
