Guided Search Partners (GSP)
Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships.
We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth, helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity
We’re supporting a search for a Purchasing Manager with a large paper manufacturing facility in Virginia. This role is responsible for purchasing materials, equipment, supplies, and services at the lowest possible cost while maintaining quality and service requirements needed to support continuous mill operations. The Purchasing Manager will lead the purchasing function, negotiate supplier agreements, support inventory levels, and identify opportunities for documented cost reduction.

What You’ll Do
You’ll lead purchasing activity with a focus on supplier management, cost reduction, inventory support, contracts, and mill operations.

Key areas of focus include:

• Provide leadership and management for the purchasing department
• Develop and publish purchasing procedures
• Purchase materials, equipment, supplies, and services
• Balance cost, quality, and service requirements
• Negotiate strategic supply and service agreements
• Help reduce the supplier base
• Support optimum material inventory levels
• Implement and support corporate supply and service agreements
• Formulate purchase and service agreements
• Identify and document cost reductions
• Maintain ethical relationships with vendors, operations, maintenance, and staff
• Support continuous mill operations
• Apply ISO 9001:2015 principles
• Apply knowledge of UCC and purchasing law
• Work with suppliers, contractors, and brokers
• Travel to other locations as necessary

Who You Are
You are an organized and analytical purchasing professional who can work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You communicate clearly, negotiate effectively, and build productive relationships with vendors and internal teams. You are comfortable assessing business needs and making recommendations related to suppliers, contractors, costs, and timelines.

Preferred Experience & Attributes
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Procurement, or related field preferred
• Equivalent experience considered
• 3+ years of experience in industrial or manufacturing environments
• Purchasing experience preferred
• Paper industry experience preferred
• Strong project management experience
• Supplier sourcing and vendor analysis experience
• Strong negotiation skills
• Experience developing purchase or service agreements
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 principles
• Knowledge of UCC and applicable purchasing law
• Ability to achieve documented cost reductions
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint proficiency
• Ability to learn purchasing software
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and work independently
• CPSM, CSCP, CSCM, or equivalent certification preferred

Why This Role Matters
This role supports the continued operation of the mill by ensuring materials, equipment, supplies, and services are available at the right cost, quality, and service level. The Purchasing Manager will help strengthen supplier relationships, reduce costs, support inventory needs, and improve purchasing processes across the facility.