Manager, Purchasing
About the role
The Purchasing management team partners with Sales, IT, Product Management, and Finance to ensure company and department strategies are achieved. The Manager, Purchasing leads the purchasing process of hardware, service and software items for both the Drop Ship and Inventory practice. This incumbent is a leader within the purchasing department, responsible for increasing drop ship/inventory efficiency and activities related to cost-effective procurement strategies to achieve company objectives. This role manages a team of individuals to ensure the achievement of purchasing goals and developing close partner relationships. As a leader, you will champion and be accountable for our vision of becoming an AI‑fluent organization. We expect leaders to model curiosity, encourage responsible AI adoption, and foster a culture of continuous learning. You don’t need deep technical expertise, but you should be comfortable exploring how AI can enhance strategy, decision‑making, and team performance. Your role includes guiding others in building confidence and capability with AI tools and practices, while promoting openness to experimentation and shared learning. CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what’s possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. At CDW we act as one—building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win—focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward—staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That’s why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees—working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities. As a full‑stack, full‑lifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what’s next. Together, we deliver the full promise of what technology can do. Together, we Make Amazing Happen.
Responsibilities
- Implement and maintain strategic purchasing initiatives and associated goals to meet corporate objectives.
- Drive service level expectations with our suppliers and address those who are not meeting expectations.
- Review current procedures to ensure consistency across the function and optimal execution.
- Enhance internal and external customer and vendor relationships.
- Maintain open communication and effective partnerships with all internal stakeholders cross‑functionally.
- Lead and develop team member skill sets to ensure capabilities can effectively achieve results.
- Identify areas of process improvements, recommend and implement appropriate changes.
- Establish primary suppliers for all product lines.
- Manage our daily inventory goals, back‑orders, aging inventory, buy‑ins, and RFP practice.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required and 6 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or pricing OR 10 years of experience in purchasing, procurement or pricing; 1 year of experience managing people preferred.
Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact at all levels including senior leadership.
- History of strong analytical, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Demonstrated project management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong partner relationships.
- Strong ability to multitask and identify priorities.
- Advanced knowledge of the purchasing process.
- Flexibility to manage competing priorities and shift focus as determined by the changing needs of the business.
- Experience in the technology industry.
- History of building partnering relationships with top technology manufacturers and distribution partners.
- Working knowledge of Supply Chain Management.
Pay
Pay range: $113,000 - $158,800 depending on experience and skill set. Annual bonus target of 10% subject to terms and conditions of plan.
Benefits
Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/