Purchasing Manager

We are conducting a confidential search for a Purchasing Manager on behalf of a well-established hydraulic manufacturing company located in Iowa. This organization designs and manufactures hydraulic systems and components serving industrial and heavy equipment markets.

This is a key leadership role responsible for driving procurement strategy, managing supplier relationships, and optimizing supply chain performance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Relocation to Iowa is required for this position. Candidates must be open to relocating. Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.

Why This Role?

• Direct impact on operational performance and profitability

• Leadership visibility within operations and executive team

• Established, stable manufacturing organization

• Opportunity to build strategic supplier partnerships

• Strong growth trajectory within hydraulic / fluid power industry

Key Responsibilities Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with production forecasts

• Source hydraulic components (pumps, cylinders, valves, manifolds, hoses, fittings)

• Negotiate pricing agreements and long-term contracts

• Lead cost reduction initiatives

Supplier Management

• Evaluate supplier performance (quality, cost, delivery)

• Manage RFQs and bid analysis

• Implement dual-source strategies

• Conduct supplier reviews and corrective actions

Inventory & Cost Control

• Maintain optimal inventory levels

• Reduce excess/obsolete inventory

• Monitor commodity trends (steel, aluminum, brass)

• Track and improve purchase price variance (PPV)

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering on new product sourcing

• Work with Operations on scheduling and lead times

• Support Quality initiatives with supplier accountability

• Coordinate with Finance on budgeting and forecasting

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing/procurement experience in manufacturing

• Experience in hydraulic systems, fluid power, or heavy industrial manufacturing preferred

• Strong contract negotiation experience

• Knowledge of machining, fabrication, castings, and assemblies

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems

• Ability to read engineering drawings and BOMs

• Strong analytical and leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications

• CPM or CPSM certification

• Lean or Six Sigma exposure

• Experience in engineered-to-order or build-to-order manufacturing

• Is open and willing to relocate to Iowa

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.