Director Purchasing

About Us

Visual Comfort & Co. is the premier resource for decorative and architectural lighting, ceiling fans, system controls, and automated shading solutions from the most influential designers in the world. We offer a market-leading range of premium products across categories, styles, and price points, remaining committed to beautiful design and a world-class customer experience.

About the Role

This role is responsible for leading the procurement strategy and supplier partnerships across all of Visual Comfort. The Purchasing Director oversees the purchasing and supply planning of all product, ensuring optimal inventory levels, strong in-stock positions, and competitive cost structures. The role works closely with the Demand Planning team to balance product availability with inventory investment across the entire Visual Comfort supply chain network and distribution channels.

The Purchasing Director develops and maintains strategic supplier relationships, evaluating vendor capabilities, lead times, quality standards, service levels, and cost. This position establishes best practices and leads a team of purchasing professionals across various work locations, including Houston, Skokie, and China.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate supplier meetings and team members to review and resolve problems or issues as needed.
• Coordinate product launches, transitions, and phase-outs to minimize excess and obsolescence.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with key lighting manufacturers and vendors.
• Evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, service levels, delivery performance, and innovation.
• Conduct quarterly and annual vendor performance reviews.
• Lead vendor scorecard programs to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Negotiate pricing, rebates, payment terms, freight agreements, and annual contracts to maximize margin.
• Review and resolve discrepancies with supplier invoices, grievances, claims, conflicts, product non-conformance, or quality issues.
• Monitor replenishment planning across multiple product categories and suppliers.
• Manage long lead-time and overseas supply chains to minimize stockouts and supply disruptions.
• Develop supply continuity plans and mitigate risks related to vendor capacity, transportation, and geopolitical factors.
• Analyze supplier lead times and performance metrics to optimize purchasing schedules.
• Manage and mentor a dynamic team of purchasing professionals.
• Develop and execute inventory strategies that balance product availability with working capital optimization.
• Establish target inventory levels, safety stock parameters, and reorder points across warehouses and branches.
• Monitor inventory turnover, fill rates, aging, and excess/obsolete inventory; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Develop an overall vendor base that creates and sustains a competitive advantage.
• Manage all Visual Comfort purchasing business accounts (Amazon, Omnia, Travel Program).
• Analyze supply planning and stocking strategies to optimize in-stock while controlling inventory investment and cost.
• Review and resolve discrepancies with supplier-related documentation or performance issues.
• Report on the measurable status of supplier performance and progress.
• Lead S&OP meetings on product transitions and supply gaps with corrective actions identified.
• Prepare and review data or documentation related to supplier contracts, cost models, and inventory levels.
• Work effectively with others in a team environment to accomplish organizational goals and identify and resolve problems.
• Exhibit and adhere to the established Visual Comfort Company Values.
• Demonstrate commitment, dependability, punctuality, and adherence to agreed-upon schedules while maintaining a consistent presence in the workplace.

Requirements

• 7–10 years of previous experience in Purchasing, Supply Planning, or a relevant Supply Chain discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree a plus.
• Strong aptitude for and proficiency navigating Planning and Replenishment systems.
• Experience in interior design, custom home building products, luxury home furnishings, and/or lighting industry is a plus.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and changing priorities.
• Ability to achieve results both independently and through others by fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Exceptional communication skills across all contact channels, including email, chat, and phone.
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, early mornings, and late evenings.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for this role.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM with flexibility to support global partners.
• Training & Development: A comprehensive and structured training program, complemented by ongoing education and opportunities for career advancement.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation accrual and paid time off policies.
• Holidays: 7 paid holidays per year, in addition to 2 floating holidays.
• Health Benefits: Visual Comfort covers the majority of employee medical premiums and offers competitive vision and dental coverage starting the first of the month following your start date.
• Insurance: Company-provided life insurance and short-term disability coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching up to 4%, available beginning the first of the month following your hire date.

Pay

Compensation Range: $160,000 – $175,000. Compensation is based on individual factors, including skill set, relevant experience, and work location.