Purchasing Manager – Matthews, NC

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Our Client is a leading manufacturer of medical textiles, chemicals, and plastics headquartered in Matthews, North Carolina. Founded in 1985, Our Client offers more than 2,000 products serving the orthotics and prosthetics, orthopedic, surgical, long-term care, and physical/occupational therapy markets. Capabilities include circular knitting, hosiery knitting, cutting and sewing, image application, and packaging. Key materials include yarn, nylon, fiberglass, carbon fiber, resins, and specialty composites.

Our Client works closely with medical product distributors, medical device manufacturers, and healthcare professionals to deliver innovative, custom solutions. With approximately 80 employees and a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture, every team member has a direct and meaningful impact on the business.

JOB PURPOSE

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the end-to-end procurement function at Our Client, encompassing strategic sourcing, material demand planning, purchase order management, vendor relations, price negotiation, market trend monitoring, and supply chain continuity.

This role owns the complete lifecycle of purchasing, from identifying material requirements and placing orders through delivery coordination, invoice reconciliation, and vendor performance management. The Purchasing Manager will also build out and formalize purchasing processes and standard operating procedures where none currently exist.

This is a hands-on, player-coach role requiring someone who can manage day-to-day transactional purchasing while driving strategic sourcing improvements. The ideal candidate thrives in a smaller company environment, takes initiative, and builds structure where needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Purchasing Operations & Order Management

• Execute the Material Demand Planning (MDP) strategy using stock levels, forecasts, consumption data, production schedules, and market trends
• Create, execute, track, and reconcile purchase orders and credit card purchases
• Monitor usage and proactively adjust ordering quantities
• Oversee delivery scheduling to prevent shortages and overstocking
• Follow up on open and past-due purchase orders and communicate risks
• Submit and follow up on purchase orders for approval
• Manage the full PO lifecycle from creation through discrepancy resolution

Vendor Management & Supplier Relations

• Maintain and develop relationships with vendors (domestic and international)
• Monitor pricing trends and negotiate favorable terms
• Maintain a master vendor price list
• Manage RFQ processes and vendor selection
• Conduct supplier performance evaluations
• Manage vendor scorecards and KPIs
• Handle Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) with Quality
• Identify and onboard new vendors to diversify supply base

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms
• Evaluate supplier proposals
• Monitor commodity trends, especially yarn and raw materials
• Stay informed on market conditions
• Support leadership in cost-saving initiatives

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

• Design and implement SOPs for purchasing
• Improve ROP and ROQ alignment
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve inventory issues
• Develop inventory targets and reorder strategies
• Build ERP data structures and classifications
• Establish procurement policies
• Support long-term supply chain development

Data Management, ERP & Reporting

• Maintain ERP (JobBOSS) data integrity
• Analyze reports and translate into purchasing actions
• Build data insights for leadership
• Ensure accuracy of purchasing data
• Track key metrics such as cost savings, delivery performance, and cycle time

Administrative & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Reconcile purchasing documents with invoices
• Resolve discrepancies with vendors
• Collaborate with leadership and production teams on priorities
• Maintain organized records
• Communicate proactively with vendors
• Understand how vendor dependencies impact the supply chain

PERFORMANCE MILESTONES

• By Day 60: Independently managing most day-to-day purchasing activities
• By Month 6: Analyzing trends, optimizing ERP usage, and formalizing vendor processes
• By Year 1: Fully established SOPs, vendor scorecards, sourcing strategy, and measurable cost savings

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:
• Bachelor’s degree or 5–10 years of relevant experience
• 3+ years of purchasing experience in manufacturing
• Experience sourcing production materials
• ERP/MRP knowledge
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• Proven negotiation experience
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Preferred:
• Medical device or regulated manufacturing experience
• JobBOSS or similar ERP experience
• Experience sourcing textiles, composites, or packaging
• SOP/process development experience
• Professional certifications (CPSM, CPM, CPIM, APICS)
• International sourcing experience
• Knowledge of ISO or FDA environments

KEY COMPETENCIES & ATTRIBUTES

• Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Strategic Thinking
• Hands-On Execution
• Adaptability
• Proactive Communication
• Cost Consciousness
• Accountability & Follow-Through

WORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE

• Fully on-site role in Matthews, NC
• Occasional vendor travel
• Standard business hours with flexibility

COMPENSATION

Our Client offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience. Details will be discussed during the interview process.