Purchasing Manager

Kadant Solutions Procurement Manager

Overview The successful candidate will establish policies and procedures for the evaluation of vendors, negotiate contracts and develop a performance evaluation system for the supply base. The primary purpose of the position is to drive cost savings and ensure timely deliveries and quality across all phases of company spend, including new product development and capital equipment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and participate in the sourcing of equipment, materials, supplies, and services, ensuring price value / stability, consistent quality, and expeditious delivery.
• Analyze supplier operations to determine factors that affect prices and lowest cost consistent with quality, reliability, and ability to meet required schedules.
• Research and develop qualified suppliers of high-quality goods and services.
• Leverage spend data to identify strategic sourcing opportunities.
• Assess sourcing opportunities and develop strategic plans.
• Develop and execute on negotiation strategies.
• Ensure an effective contract management structure / framework is in place throughout the contract life cycle.
• Develop a vendor evaluation system for top suppliers that can be used to drive improved performance.

Who is Kadant Solutions Division?

Kadant Solutions, based in Auburn, Massachusetts, develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of doctoring, cleaning, filtration, and forming systems and related consumables used in process industries worldwide including construction roofing materials, food processing, metals processing, nonwovens, pulp and paper, textiles and fibers, and tissue.

Why consider joining the Kadant team?

Kadant was named as one of America's Most Responsible Companies 2024 by Newsweek.

Kadant was named as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023 by Newsweek.

Kadant was named to Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies 2023.

100% of Kadant's energy comes from renewable sources.

Kadant serves the pulp and paper industry which has recycled 68% of everything produced and 82% of cardboard since 2009, the highest of any processing industry.

Kadant serves several process industries including lithium-ion battery production, food processing, metals processing, carbon fiber, nonwovens, textiles, and construction roofing materials.

At Kadant, our customer-focused innovation allows us to deliver Sustainable Industrial Processing engineering services and technologies to help our customers create more value with fewer inputs.

All benefits are effective upon date of hire. Our comprehensive benefit package includes : Medical, Dental and Vision insurance with best-in-class premiums. 10 paid holidays. 401k with match. Company paid life insurance benefit. Disability insurance. Aflac insurance. Lifelock insurance. MetLaw legal assistance. Employee assistance program. Flexible spending. Dependent care. Educational assistance. Employee stock purchase plan.

Qualifications

Education / Experience : Bachelor's degree in business or technical field. 5-8 years' experience in Manufacturing and / or Materials Management. Experience in managing others in the departmental structure. Experience in computer software including Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word and Excel. Experience with Purchasing / Materials tools such as MRP, Inventory Planning, and Inventory Control. Experience with Epicor preferred. APICS certification preferred.

Knowledge

Demonstrates the ability to use a computer and various database programs including Microsoft Excel proficiently. Understands how to document policies, procedures, and work instructions surrounding the sourcing / procurement function. Possesses the ability to adequately act as a liaison between vendors, customers, and production personnel as well as other departments within the company. Shows that he or she can work efficiently under pressure and help motivate employees to meet demands. Shows a demonstrated sense of urgency.

Skill

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal. Demonstrated organization and problem solving skills required. Ability to work with others in a team environment with effectively handling internal pressures. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision. Ability to read blueprints and product specifications. Understanding of change and comprehension of sense of urgency.

Physical / Environmental Demands

Work in a climate controlled office environment, but he or she may need to make trips onto the production floor to meet with foremen, employees and others to discuss production and scheduling. Occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Ability to handle mental challenges particularly when there is a significant increase in demand.