Purchasing Manager

We have an opening in our Materials Department for a Purchasing Manager. This individual will lead the strategic procurement of materials, components, and services critical to our manufacturing operations, ensuring sourcing strategies align with business objectives while driving and maintaining a robust dual-source supplier program that strengthens supply chain resilience, enhances cost competitiveness, and supports business continuity.The Purchasing Manager will lead a team of buyers, foster strong partnerships with key suppliers, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive informed procurement decisions that ensure material availability, mitigate risk, and uphold the high standards that support our customers and our business.

Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) is the leading manufacturer of distribution transformers and engineered electrical solutions, serving electric utilities, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and industrial customers across North America. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO delivers reliable, high-quality products that power homes, businesses, and communities across North America.

With commitments to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, ERMCO is at the forefront of supporting grid modernization and energy transition. Our vertically integrated operations, customer-focused culture, and investment in people and technology make ERMCO the Most Valued Partner for delivering resilient, sustainable power infrastructure for the future.

• Develop and execute procurement strategies that ensure material availability, support production requirements, and optimize cost, quality, and lead-time performance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the purchasing team by establishing clear goals, performance metrics, and accountability while fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Production, Engineering, Quality, Receiving, and Finance to support business objectives and drive supply chain performance.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen strategic supplier relationships, including driving a dual-source supplier strategy to enhance supply continuity, competitiveness, and risk mitigation.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, contracts, and commercial terms to maximize value, reduce risk, and achieve cost-saving objectives.
• Monitor supplier performance, market conditions, and industry trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, cost optimization, and supply assurance.
• Oversee the end-to-end procurement process, including purchase order management, supplier issue resolution, and compliance with company policies and ethical standards.
• Drive inventory optimization initiatives to maintain appropriate stock levels, reduce excess inventory and waste, and improve working capital performance.
• Lead vendor return, recovery, and escalation processes, including RMA management, supplier corrective actions, cost recovery, and expedited freight mitigation.
• Champion ethical sourcing, supplier diversity, and sustainable procurement practices across the supply base.
• Leverage ERP, MRP, procurement, and business intelligence systems to analyze data, monitor KPIs, improve decision-making, and enhance procurement effectiveness.
• Drive a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence to deliver sustainable cost savings and long-term business value.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience in procurement supervision—ideally as a Purchasing, Buyer, or Expeditor Lead, Supervisor, or Manager.
• Strong negotiation, supplier contract management, and strategic sourcing skills.
• Knowledge of supply chain principles, procurement best practices, and vendor relations.
• Analytical mindset with experience in cost analysis and procurement forecasting.
• Experience with sourcing tools, ERP/procurement systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills. 8-D & 5 Why Root Cause Analysis is a plus.
• Experience in lean manufacturing & continuous improvement tools, Six Sigma is a plus.
• Strong people skills—you build trust with teams and vendors alike.
• Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and compliance standards.
• Ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams by strengthening the skills, capabilities, and engagement of direct reports to maximize their contribution to organizational success.