Our client is a rapidly growing industrial manufacturing company, aiming to scale from $30M to $150M in revenue within five years. As part of this ambitious growth strategy, they seek a Procurement Manager to build and lead a strategic sourcing function, drive supplier diversification, and implement optimal systems and processes. This role offers a unique opportunity to take full ownership of procurement transformation, supplier risk mitigation, and cost optimization in a dynamic, high-growth environment.

Why Join?

  • Growth & Impact: Lead the transition of procurement from transactional purchasing to a strategic function.
  • Ownership & Leadership: Establish and scale the procurement team while shaping the company’s long-term supply chain strategy.
  • Strategic Challenge: Spearhead the shift from 50% China-based sourcing to a diversified global supplier network (targeting below 25% within five years).
  • Innovative Environment: Work directly with executive leadership to optimize procurement and supply chain processes.
  • Career Advancement: Develop a high-impact procurement function from the ground up in a fast-paced, industrial manufacturing setting.

Key Responsibilities

Global Sourcing & Supplier Strategy

  • Drive the strategic initiative to diversify the supplier base away from China, prioritizing domestic and international alternatives.
  • Identify, evaluate, and establish new supplier relationships that improve cost, quality, and supply chain resilience.
  • Conduct on-site supplier visits domestically and internationally to validate capabilities and ensure compliance.

Procurement Leadership & Department Development

  • Build and lead the procurement function, implementing best practices, systems, and processes.
  • Develop and mentor a procurement team to support operational efficiency and strategic growth.
  • Establish KPIs for procurement, including on-time delivery, cost reduction, inventory levels, and supplier performance.

Operational Excellence & Cost Optimization

  • Implement scalable procurement strategies to optimize inventory management and cost control.
  • Improve cash flow through strategic supplier agreements, prepayment structures, and inventory ownership models.
  • Negotiate supplier contracts, focusing on cost efficiencies, long-term agreements, and volume-based incentives.

Supplier Quality & Compliance

  • Ensure suppliers meet quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing standards.
  • Conduct supplier audits and performance tracking to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Lead risk mitigation strategies to secure a sustainable and resilient supply chain.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
  • Partner with logistics and supply chain teams to improve inbound freight, inventory flow, and supply reliability.
  • Engage with executive leadership to present procurement transformation plans and execution roadmaps.

Qualifications & Experience

Must-Have Experience:

  • 7+ years in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, preferably in industrial manufacturing.
  • Proven track record of leading global supply chain transitions, particularly supplier diversification away from China.
  • Experience managing $10M+ annual procurement spend, with expertise in inventory optimization.
  • Ability to design and implement procurement strategies that support aggressive business growth.
  • Strong negotiation, contract management, and cost-reduction expertise.
  • Data-driven decision-maker with proficiency in procurement analytics and KPIs.

Industry Knowledge & Leadership Skills:

  • Experience in industrial manufacturing and mechanical components (electrical products experience less relevant).
  • Understanding of material and mechanical specifications to drive profitability.
  • Background in managing high SKU, low-volume procurement environments.
  • Hands-on leadership style—able to develop and execute strategies independently.

Additional Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Willingness to travel extensively early on (domestic & international), including supplier site visits.
  • Strong communication and decision-making skills—must be able to formulate a plan and execute efficiently.
  • Preference for candidates who thrive in an office-centric culture (relocation assistance available if needed).

Compensation & Benefits

  • Career growth in a fast-moving, high-impact environment.
  • Direct collaboration with executive leadership to shape procurement strategy.
  • Hybrid flexibility when necessary, with a strong office-first culture.

Is This You?

This role is ideal for a hands-on Procurement Leader ready to take ownership of a supply chain transformation. If you are results-driven, excel at strategic sourcing, and have successfully led international supplier transitions, we want to hear from you!

About Blue Signal:

As an award-winning executive search firm, Blue Signal has a strong track record of placing top talent in the manufacturing & industrial space, with expertise in manufacturing leadership, engineering, supply chain, and logistics roles. Leare more at bit.ly/3D3a7NH

Location
Schaumburg IL