Headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, WaterFurnace designs and manufactures ultra-efficient, renewable-energy comfort products that provide heating, cooling and potable hot water solutions for use in both homes and commercial buildings. We employ more than 300 people in R&D, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Sales roles across the US and Canada. For almost four decades, our Geothermal Heat Pumps, Water Source Heat Pumps, and Heat Recovery Chillers have been reducing energy usage consumption and increasing comfort in buildings around the world.

Our Purpose
To transform the way we use energy, protect resources for future generations, and give people the freedom to focus on life.

Job Summary:

The Purchasing Manager will oversee and direct the activities of the purchasing department and the Sr. Buyers, Buyers and Assistants.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Hires and manages the Purchasing team, and other staff as needed.
• Oversees the daily workflow and schedules of the department.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.

Duties/Responsibilities (but are not limited to…):

• Collaborates with other departments and leadership to identify and develop needs and requirements for equipment, materials, products, and acceptable substitutions.
• Assesses current material availability; reasonably predicts future availability based on the market, delivery systems, and other variables.
• Prepares and processes purchase orders and requisitions for materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Drafts, explains, and implements instructions, policies, and procedures for purchasing and contract management.
• Evaluates and approves conditions for issuing and awarding bids.
• Resolves grievances with vendors, contractors, and suppliers.
• Maintains and/or implements purchasing and recordkeeping systems.
• Acts as the company’s representative in negotiations with suppliers.
• Coordinates removal or disposal of surplus materials.
• Administers the departmental budget.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to effectively train others.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Understanding of business and management principles.
• A demonstrated understanding of technical attributes on commodity components.
• Proficiency in related software applications and methodologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough understanding of materials and supplies used in the company.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
• At least 5-7 years of management experience in Purchasing or a related role.
• Epicor ERP/MRP system experience preferred.
• Supply Chain Management Certificate as well as Production and Inventory Management Cert preferred.
• Proven negotiation skills
• Self-Starter
• Excellent communication skills
• Development of processes for Supply Chain ERP integration and automated planning
• Implementation of Lean Supply Chain practices for efficiency and inventory reduction
• Implementation of Supplier performance metrics and improvement initiatives
• Kan-ban system optimization

Essential Functions:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access all areas of the facility to determine needs.
• May require travel.

Other Duties:

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.