Purchasing Manager - Industrial Distribution at SunSource

Savage, Minnesota, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Industrial DistributionIndustries

Requirements

Associate’s degree or higher in Supply Chain Management or a related field preferred
APICS Certification is a strong plus
Minimum of 3 years in a leadership role within Inventory, Purchasing, or Supply Chain — preferably in an industrial distribution environment
Proven track record of successfully managing inventory optimization and cost-reduction programs
Proficiency with MRP systems and advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis)
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Familiarity with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies is highly desirable
Demonstrated negotiation expertise
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment

Responsibilities

Lead and Develop a Team of Buyers: Manage and mentor the purchasing team, aligning efforts with our “Buyer Expectations Program” and internal Best Practices to elevate the performance of our product lines
Drive Continuous Improvement: Champion initiatives focused on improving inventory efficiency, reducing waste, and increasing inventory turns while ensuring optimal stock availability
Optimize Supplier Performance: Monitor and evaluate suppliers to ensure timely deliveries and high-quality standards
Implement Cost Reduction Strategies: Use strong negotiation skills and market insights to develop and execute cost-saving initiatives that contribute directly to the bottom line

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

MRPExcelPivot TablesVLOOKUPAPICSInventory OptimizationCost ReductionNegotiationSupplier ManagementTeam Leadership

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience is required for the Purchasing Manager role?

A minimum of 3 years in a leadership role within Inventory, Purchasing, or Supply Chain is required, preferably in an industrial distribution environment, along with a proven track record of managing inventory optimization and cost-reduction programs.

What key skills are needed for this position?

Proficiency with MRP systems and advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis), strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, familiarity with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, demonstrated negotiation expertise, and strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills are required.

What is the company culture like at SunSource?

SunSource features a collaborative, innovation-driven team in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment committed to growth and excellence.

What education or certifications are preferred?

An Associate’s degree or higher in Supply Chain Management or a related field is preferred, and APICS Certification is a strong plus.

What makes a strong candidate for this Purchasing Manager position?

Candidates with 3+ years of leadership in supply chain or purchasing, experience in industrial distribution, proven success in inventory optimization and cost reduction, and skills in MRP systems, advanced Excel, negotiation, and Lean/Six Sigma will stand out.

SunSource

Distributes fluid power components and systems

About SunSource

SunSource distributes fluid power components and systems for industries such as OEM, MRO, and mobile equipment. Their services include design and engineering support, supply chain optimization, and repair capabilities, all aimed at enhancing productivity and reducing costs for clients. Unlike competitors, SunSource combines a national reach with a strong local presence, ensuring personalized customer service and technical support. The company focuses on building meaningful relationships and developing its associates, with the goal of delivering high-quality products and services that drive growth.

Windsor, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2001Year Founded

VENTURE_UNKNOWNCompany Stage

Automotive & Transportation, Industrial & ManufacturingIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

401(k) Company Match

Tuition Reimbursement

Risks

Competition from online marketplaces like Amazon Business threatens traditional distributors.

Electric and hybrid equipment may reduce demand for traditional fluid power components.

Supply chain vulnerabilities could impact SunSource's ability to meet customer demands.

Differentiation

SunSource offers comprehensive services including design, engineering, and supply chain optimization.

The company has over 85 years of experience in the fluid power sector.

SunSource emphasizes associate development and strong customer-supplier relationships.

Upsides

Growing demand for energy-efficient hydraulic systems boosts SunSource's market potential.

IoT integration enhances predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.

Rise of electric and hybrid equipment creates new opportunities for component supply.

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