Overview of Job Description: The Senior Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing the organization’s purchasing function to achieve service, inventory, and cost objectives. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution, serving as a player-coach who actively supports the purchasing team when needed. This individual applies a comprehensive knowledge of purchasing principles and supply chain practices to manage vendor relationships, ensure quality standards, and control costs, while leading a team and administering established policies and procedures. Specific Duties and Responsibilities: Leadership & Team Management • Lead, direct, and develop a team of buyers, with full authority for personnel decisions • Foster a high-performance, accountable culture focused on execution, responsiveness, and continuous improvement • Provide day-to-day coaching, training, and hands-on support to team members • Step in to directly manage purchasing activities during high-volume periods, team absences, or complex issues Hands-On Purchasing & Execution • Perform and oversee complex purchasing tasks following established processes and policies • Actively participate in purchasing activities such as placing orders, expediting shipments, resolving shortages, and addressing vendor issues • Ensure timely and accurate procurement aligned with forecast and inventory plans • Support buyers in troubleshooting supply chain challenges and escalations Vendor Management & Negotiation • Identify, evaluate, select, and negotiate with vendors to maximize quality while controlling costs • Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure reliability and service performance • Address and resolve vendor issues related to quality, delivery, shipping, and invoicing • Continuously assess supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement or cost savings Procurement Processes & Compliance • Develop and manage purchasing procedures, including RFP, RFQ, bid processes, purchase orders, and requisitions • Ensure procurement activities meet quality standards while minimizing total cost • Administer established purchasing policies and ensure compliance with company guidelines • Partner with Compliance and Quality Assurance teams in vendor approval and qualification processes Cross-Functional Collaboration • Work closely with Design, Product Development, Sales, Inventory Planning, and Warehouse teams • Support internal stakeholders in identifying sourcing solutions aligned with business needs • Collaborate with Inventory Management to ensure accurate forecasting and inventory planning • Ensure alignment between purchasing execution and broader operational goals Process Improvement & Operational Oversight • Evaluate and improve purchasing processes to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability • Analyze purchasing data, vendor performance, and inventory trends to drive improvements • Primarily administer established policies and procedures while contributing to process enhancements and procedural changes • Support departmental budgeting and provide input into strategic planning initiatives Knowledge/Skills/Education/Experience: Skills & Competencies • Comprehensive knowledge of purchasing, sourcing, and supply chain principles • Proven ability to lead while remaining hands-on in execution • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills • Detail-oriented with the ability to manage complex tasks and priorities • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and Microsoft Office tools Education & Experience • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred • 7+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in manufacturing, consumer goods, or gift industries • Demonstrated experience managing people while actively handling purchasing responsibilities • Global sourcing experience a plus • Food industry experience a plus Key Role Expectations • Functions as a working manager, not solely a delegator • Balances tactical execution with leadership responsibilities • Provides direct, hands-on support to ensure team success and continuity of operations • Drives both operational excellence and continuous improvement