Director of Purchasing

About The Role

Jendco Safety Supply is looking for a Director of Purchasing to lead our purchasing organization and ensure we have the right products, from the right suppliers, at the right time and cost. This role is responsible for developing and executing purchasing strategies that support company growth, inventory objectives, and exceptional customer service. The Director of Purchasing will oversee supplier relationships, purchasing operations, forecasting, and inventory planning while partnering closely with Sales, Finance, Warehouse, and Operations to align purchasing decisions with business priorities. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who combines strategic thinking with operational execution. They enjoy using data to make informed decisions, continuously improving processes, and coaching others to achieve exceptional results. This position goes beyond purchasing products—it's about building a scalable purchasing organization that strengthens supplier relationships, supports company profitability, and delivers an outstanding customer experience.

What You'll Do

• Purchasing Strategy: Develop and execute purchasing strategies that align with company goals, inventory objectives, and customer demand.
• Supplier Management: Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships while negotiating pricing, payment terms, contracts, and service agreements.
• Vendor Performance: Lead supplier performance reviews and utilize vendor scorecards to improve quality, service, reliability, and cost effectiveness.
• Inventory Planning: Partner with Sales, Inventory Control, and Operations to forecast demand, optimize inventory investments, and support product availability.
• Department Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop the Purchasing team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Performance Management: Establish and monitor key performance indicators including fill rate, purchase order accuracy, lead times, inventory turns, and supplier performance.
• Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives across purchasing processes, workflows, reporting, forecasting, and automation.
• ERP & Systems Management: Ensure accurate and consistent use of NetSuite while improving purchasing workflows and reporting capabilities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Sales, Finance, Warehouse, Inventory Control, and Operations to support promotions, new product launches, inventory optimization, and business planning.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee purchasing activities, purchase order approvals, exception management, and supplier issue resolution to ensure business continuity.
• Risk Management: Identify supply chain risks and proactively develop solutions that minimize disruption to customers and operations.
• Department Support: Support strategic initiatives, special projects, and other business priorities that contribute to Jendco's continued growth.

Who You Are

• Strategic Thinker: You understand how purchasing decisions impact inventory, customer service, profitability, and long-term business success.
• People Leader: You enjoy coaching, developing, and empowering others while creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Relationship Builder: You establish strong partnerships with suppliers and internal stakeholders built on trust, communication, and mutual success.
• Analytical: You leverage data, reporting, and forecasting to make informed business decisions and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Problem Solver: You proactively identify challenges and develop practical solutions that improve efficiency and reduce risk.
• Collaborative: You work effectively across departments and understand the importance of alignment throughout the organization.
• Organized: You successfully balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day operational priorities.
• Technology Savvy: You are proficient with ERP systems, purchasing technologies, Microsoft Office, and business reporting tools.
• Experienced: Seven or more years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience, including at least three years leading teams in a distribution, manufacturing, or industrial environment.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Career growth and development opportunities
• The opportunity to shape the future of purchasing within a growing organization
• Collaborative and fast-paced team environment
• Leadership that values accountability, communication, and innovation
• Employee recognition and appreciation initiatives
• A company culture built on teamwork, integrity, and doing what's right