Strategic Purchasing Manager

Title: Strategic Purchasing Manager Compensation: $110K - $150K depending on experience Location: On-site / Hybrid, Rothschild, WI About The Job: Lakeside HR Group has been engaged by our client to recruit for a Strategic Purchasing Manager to join their team. Our client is a long-established, full-service metal fabrication organization known for leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver complex, high-quality components. Serving a diverse range of OEM customers across architecture, construction, industrial, defense, and access equipment sectors, this organization is recognized for exceeding customer expectations and building long-term, trust-based partnerships. This role is a key leadership position within the supply chain function, focused on ensuring material availability, cost effectiveness, and supplier performance to support production efficiency and customer satisfaction. Key Responsibilities: Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans tailored to the metal fabrication and finishing environment. Source, negotiate, and manage supplier relationships for raw materials and services including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, fasteners, coatings, and finishing chemicals. Negotiate pricing, lead times, and contracts to achieve the best quality-to-cost ratio while ensuring continuity of supply. Evaluate supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and service metrics; drive continuous improvement initiatives. Monitor market trends, raw material pricing, and industry innovations to inform purchasing strategies and mitigate risk. Collaborate closely with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to align sourcing decisions with material specifications, manufacturing requirements, and production schedules. Lead make-versus-buy analyses and assess outsourcing opportunities for fabrication and finishing services. Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier qualifications, and contract documentation. Utilize ERP systems to manage procurement workflows, inventory levels, and demand forecasting. Required Skills: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Management, Engineering, or a related field. Five or more years of purchasing experience, preferably within metal fabrication, machining, or industrial manufacturing. Strong knowledge of raw materials, machining processes, plating, powder coating, anodizing, and finishing services. Proven negotiation skills with experience driving supplier performance and cost-saving initiatives. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to partner cross-functionally. Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., Epicor) and Microsoft Excel. Knowledge of production scheduling processes. Understanding of manufacturing workflows, tolerances, and material certifications (DFARS, RoHS, REACH). Experience sourcing both domestic and international suppliers. Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and supply chain optimization. Benefits: Medical insurance (employee premiums have not increased in over six years) Health Savings Account with employer contribution Free on-site health clinic Dental and vision insurance Flexible spending accounts Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage Competitive paid time off Paid holidays with no waiting period 401(k) with employer match up to 4% Tuition reimbursement About Lakeside HR Group: At Lakeside HR Group, we understand that finding the right job is essential for your career success. We are a boutique-style human resources consulting and recruiting firm dedicated to providing personalized, tailored solutions. When you partner with us, you are not just getting a recruiter; you are getting the entire Lakeside team working together to support your career goals. Partner with us at Lakeside HR Group, where we are more than just a recruiting firm; we are your partners in achieving your career aspirations.

Created: 2026-03-10