Procurement Manager

Procurement Manager

Location: Chattanooga, TN

Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site

Pay: $48.08-$57.69/hr

Job Description

The Procurement Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing and procurement strategies that support the operational, financial, and production objectives of the manufacturing facility. This position oversees supplier selection, contract negotiations, inventory planning, cost reduction initiatives, and procurement processes to ensure a reliable supply of materials, components, equipment, and services.

The Procurement Manager partners closely with Production, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Logistics teams to optimize supplier performance, mitigate supply risks, and drive continuous improvement throughout the procurement function.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing and Procurement

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business and manufacturing objectives.
• Manage the sourcing, purchasing, and replenishment of raw materials, components, packaging, maintenance supplies, and capital equipment.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery performance, and service capabilities.
• Lead competitive bidding, supplier selection, and contract negotiation processes.
• Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and supply chain risks to support strategic purchasing decisions.
• Develop contingency plans for critical suppliers and materials.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and strategic partners.
• Conduct supplier performance evaluations and business reviews.
• Drive supplier improvements related to cost, quality, delivery, and service performance.
• Resolve supplier-related issues involving pricing, shortages, quality concerns, and delivery delays.
• Collaborate with suppliers to identify innovation and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Ensure suppliers meet company quality, safety, ethical, and compliance requirements.

Cost Management and Savings Initiatives

• Lead cost reduction and supplier consolidation initiatives.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and service agreements.
• Analyze spending trends and identify opportunities to improve procurement efficiency.
• Develop and monitor procurement budgets and savings targets.
• Track and report cost savings, cost avoidance, and procurement performance metrics.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities.

Inventory and Supply Chain Management

• Collaborate with operations, planning, and warehouse teams to ensure material availability.
• Balance inventory levels to support production while minimizing carrying costs.
• Monitor inventory trends and identify opportunities to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
• Coordinate procurement activities to support production schedules and customer requirements.
• Assist in demand planning and forecasting processes.
• Mitigate supply chain disruptions through proactive planning and supplier management.

Contract Management and Compliance

• Draft, negotiate, and administer supplier contracts and agreements.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and procedures.
• Manage procurement documentation, purchase orders, contracts, and supplier records.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legal, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits related to procurement activities.
• Maintain ethical procurement practices consistent with company standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering on supplier qualification and new product introductions.
• Work with Quality Assurance to address supplier quality concerns and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Finance to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting activities.
• Support Maintenance and Operations teams with sourcing of equipment, spare parts, and services.
• Participate in continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

Leadership and Team Development

• Manage and develop procurement, purchasing, and sourcing personnel.
• Establish performance goals and monitor team performance.
• Provide coaching, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Lead procurement projects and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field required.

Experience

• 510 years of procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing, industrial, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, or related production environment strongly preferred.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating contracts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of procurement principles, sourcing strategies, and supplier management.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations, inventory control, and supply chain processes.
• Proven negotiation and contract management skills.
• Strong financial and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience using data analytics to support business decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), APICS CPIM, CSCP, or similar certification.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience with international sourcing and global supply chains.
• Familiarity with supplier quality systems and manufacturing compliance requirements.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or JD Edwards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to move throughout office, warehouse, and production environments.
• Occasional lifting of materials or samples up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel periodically for supplier visits, audits, and industry events.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment.
• Regular interaction with suppliers, production teams, engineering, finance, and leadership.
• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.
• May require flexibility to address urgent supply chain or production-related issues.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chattanooga, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.08-$57.69/hr

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chattanooga, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

- Yearly bonuses depending on production and company performance - Total Rewards Package - Growth Opportunities - Competitive Pay -Flexible Work Schedule

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chattanooga, TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chattanooga,TN.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.