Manager Purchasing

Job Overview

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and managing day‑to‑day purchasing operations within ETE’s Materials Management department. This role manages a team of Buyers and other staff to ensure the accurate and timely procurement of parts, materials, and supplies required to support remanufacturing production. Purchasing execution must align with inventory replenishment strategies, supplier commitments, and ERP system parameters. Strategic sourcing is managed outside of this role, though sourcing activities may be required to support supply continuity.

About ETE REMAN

ETE REMAN is the largest independent aftermarket automatic transmission remanufacturer in the United States. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company has been rebuilding transmissions since 1985 and now employs more than 900 team members. It offers a career‑building environment where employees can learn new skills and contribute to a team that values quality, honesty, and continuous improvement.

Why Choose ETE REMAN?

The demand for transmissions remains strong regardless of the economy, reducing waste, keeping vehicles on the road, and helping customers save money. Employees are encouraged to take pride in their work, learn, grow, and “go all‑in.” The fast‑paced, high‑expectation culture is balanced by a tight‑knit, family‑owned atmosphere that provides room for advancement and impact.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead a safety‑first workplace and promote safety leadership.
• Supervise, coach, and develop a team of Buyers and related staff; set performance expectations and conduct regular reviews.
• Oversee day‑to‑day purchase order creation, management, and closure in accordance with ETE replenishment policies and ERP parameters.
• Ensure purchase orders are placed accurately and timely to support production schedules and warehouse replenishment across all locations.
• Monitor and manage open order reports, expedite deliveries, and resolve supply disruptions to keep operations running smoothly.
• Maintain purchasing compliance with approved supplier lists, pricing agreements, and internal authorization levels.
• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for suppliers on order fulfillment, delivery performance, and issue resolution.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics (on‑time delivery, fill rates, quality) and escalate concerns as appropriate.
• Support minor sourcing activities by identifying qualified alternative suppliers when continuity requires it, in coordination with strategic sourcing.
• Partner with the Data Manager to maintain accurate purchasing master data in Syteline ERP (lead times, MOQs, pricing, supplier information).
• Oversee invoice discrepancy resolution in coordination with Accounts Payable.
• Provide regular reporting on purchasing activity, open orders, supplier performance, and purchasing KPIs to the Director of Materials Management & SIOP.
• Collaborate with Materials Planning, Warehouse Operations, and Production to align purchasing execution with broader supply‑chain and SIOP objectives.
• Continuously evaluate and improve purchasing processes, workflows, and tools to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Support product and item phase‑ins or phase‑outs from a purchasing execution perspective.
• Model and uphold ETE core values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in automotive, remanufacturing, or industrial manufacturing.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or team‑leadership experience.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP purchasing modules; Syteline experience strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to interpret purchasing reports, open‑order data, and supplier performance metrics.
• Solid understanding of purchasing fundamentals including PO management, supplier terms, lead‑time management, and MOQ structures.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team in a fast‑paced, production‑driven environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication and facilitation skills; ability to connect effectively at all organizational levels.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn and grow professionally.
• Ability to promote and live ETE values daily.

Core Values

• CARE – about quality, customers, and each other.
• WIN Together – collaborate, support one another, and achieve shared goals.
• GO ALL‑IN – take ownership, show commitment, and give your best effort every day.
• Get BETTER Every Day – continuously learn, improve, and embrace change.
• CELEBRATE Success – recognize accomplishments and appreciate contributions.
• Maintain a POSITIVE ATTITUDE – approach challenges with optimism, professionalism, and respect.
• Deliver RESULTS, Not Reasons – focus on solutions, accountability, and meaningful outcomes.

Physical Requirements

Please refer to the attached Physical Requirements Form for the essential physical demands and work environment associated with this position. The attached form is considered part of this job description.