Job Abstract

Powell Industries is an engineered-to-order (ETO) business. There are both challenges and opportunities inherent to an ETO business. The two primary areas of focus for the Purchasing Manager are: 1) choosing and developing the right team and, 2) ensuring material availability at the lowest cost. Success at Powell is greatly determined by not only managing and monitoring material status utilizing the Powell ERP system, but also by figuring out how the ERP system functional can be best utilized to enhance material availability, productivity improvements and cost saving opportunities.

The Purchasing Manager is responsible to: hire and develop a team of buying professionals, procure materials and services for the business when required, control and develop the supply chain (including alternative actions), manage and drive cost reduction opportunities within the supply chain, negotiate cost reductions and implementation of contracts with suppliers, define the sourcing strategy to ensure the continuity of supply of materials to meet production plans, implementation of effective logistics models. The Purchasing Manager will manage a staff of buyers as well as logistics, inventory and materials coordinators to achieve assigned strategic initiatives for purchasing and/or the business. The Purchasing Manager will play an active role in the solicitation, evaluation and negotiation of material and/or service agreements.

• Ensure adherence to Powell safety and security rules by the purchasing staff and Powell suppliers and visitors.
• Develop and manage a professional purchasing staff. Ensure we hire individuals who will meet or exceed job specifications.
• Assign objectives and measurable goals for each staff member that in total deliver the required results for the purchasing organization and the business
• Ensure the buying staff is trained properly to execute all actions required to ensure material availability when required, material accuracy and material cost optimization.
• Monitor and measure KPIs critical to purchasing at Powell.
• Monitor and measure KPIs critical to making improvement to material availability and material cost.
• Develop short and long term sourcing strategies for purchased materials and services utilized within the business; focused on optimizing value added improvement within the business and its supply base.
• Work with supply chain on developing strategic sourcing strategies and initiatives..
• Measure and monitor to ensure the working capital goals of the business are achieved.
• Drive value-engineering efforts based on knowledge of the Business and the materials and services used, the cost drivers of those materials and services, and the potential of using alternatives to those materials and services.
• Develop and implement processes that eliminate excess and/or obsolete purchased material inventory within the Business.
• Approve purchase orders of an amount within the limits of the Powell Delegation of Authority without additional approvals.
• Proactively advance professional knowledge and education.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.


Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience in an ETO business
• Minimum 10 years of procurement experience, with 3-5 years in a leadership position

*Must know how to navigate in an ERP system and how the various material replenishment options work.
• Demonstrated managerial/leadership effectiveness
• Demonstrated analytical and root cause determination skills
• Excellent interpersonal relationship skills
• Strong demonstrated oral and written communication skills
• Strong computer skills
• Learn policies and procedures, work instruction, ISO policies, Safety Rules and Regulations, and vendor products
• Perform other related duties as assigned
• Travel may be required

*No relocation or sponsorship is available for this role.

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