Potter Electric Signal Company is a leader in the fire and life safety industry. Potter designs and manufactures a wide variety of mission critical specialty electronic, electromechanical, and software products for the fire and life safety industry. The company is the leader in sprinkler monitoring solutions and offers the industry’s largest portfolio of sprinkler monitoring devices, as well as next generation technology such as nitrogen-based corrosion prevention systems. Potter also designs and manufactures fire alarm, voice evacuation and mass notification systems for small to very large applications for the commercial and industrial markets throughout the world.

The Purchasing Manager leads a team of buyers that are responsible for coordinating the purchasing and inventory of materials, parts, equipment, and supplies for the organization.

This team does all of the following as a minimum:

• Analyze and coordinate all activity related to the purchase of correct parts in the optimal quantity for delivery in time to match build plan for customer requirements.
• Manage the day-to-day communication with the assigned supply base to align activities to support Potter initiatives and be able to concisely advise stakeholders on progress.
• Lead key supplier KPI scorecard reviews on a regular cadence and drive actions to accomplish improvement, when needed.
• Manage subcontract transactions and transfer orders to support Potter family divisions.
• Be front line mitigation to inflationary pressures or logistic delays. It is required that all strategies are explored to eliminate or reduce negative financial or timing impacts.
• Devises and implements creative material ordering methods to minimize inventory commitments and reduce lead times.
• Maintains timely control of system data for orders, deliveries, RMAs and other documents to assure accurate retention of records.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Purchasing, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Engineering or a related business area and a minimum of two years managing a team of buyers.
• Functional knowledge of international and domestic purchasing and sourcing methods and concepts.
• Sourcing, negotiation, project management, supplier management, financial, and quantitative analysis skills.
• Experience working within a multi-cultural and multi-location environment.
• Technical aptitude, including but not limited to, ability to read technical diagrams and drawings to determine product specifications.
• Able to work autonomously and make independent judgments relating to the quality and value of parts and products.
• Excellent verbal, written, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Computer literate, emphasizing Microsoft Office Suite and MRP type systems. Ability to quickly learn and effectively use Potter software applications (Epicor, Tableau, IQR).
• Ability to travel independently to supplier locations and work extended hours

Potter is an Equal Opportunity Employer