Purchasing Supervisor

Purchasing Supervisor

The Purchasing Supervisor is responsible for leading purchasing activities for electromechanical components and materials, including plastics, metals, and electronic components, to support manufacturing and engineering operations. This role supervises purchasing activities, develops supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and delivery terms, drives cost-reduction initiatives, and ensures materials are available on time, at the required quality and within budget. The Purchasing Supervisor works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to ensure an efficient and reliable supply chain.

Location: Arlington Heights, IL

Salary Range: $ ​ 94,700 - 115,000 per year plus bonus

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Illinois. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

We Take Care of Our People

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture *

Your Challenge:

• Lead and oversee purchasing activities for plastics, metals, electronic components, and other electromechanical materials, from sourcing and supplier selection through purchase order placement, delivery, and issue resolution. Ensure timely conversion of purchase requisitions into purchase orders and maintain accurate purchasing documentation. (30%)

• Supervise and develop the purchasing team, providing direction and support to Buyers and other purchasing personnel. Establish and implement purchasing processes, procedures, and best practices in alignment with company policies and applicable industry requirements. Monitor team performance and ensure purchasing activities support business and production objectives. (25%)

• Develop and maintain supplier relationships by identifying and qualifying new vendors, negotiating pricing and delivery terms, monitoring supplier performance, and resolving quality, delivery, and commercial issues. Support supplier risk assessments and ensure suppliers consistently meet quality, delivery, cost, and service expectations. (20%)

• Partner with Engineering, Production, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to ensure the timely availability of materials and components required to support production schedules, engineering programs, and customer requirements. Review inventory levels and purchasing requirements to maintain appropriate stock while controlling inventory value. (15%)

• Drive cost-reduction and continuous-improvement initiatives by analyzing market conditions, supplier pricing, purchasing data, and spend trends. Identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency, reduce costs, optimize inventory, and strengthen the overall supply base. Prepare and maintain purchasing reports, metrics, and other required documentation. (10%)

What You Bring:

• 5+ years of purchasing/procurement experience, with demonstrated experience in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

• Experience purchasing electromechanical components and materials, including plastics, metals, and electronic components.

• Experience working with plastic, metal, and/or electronic vendors and suppliers; experience with a combination of these commodities is strongly preferred.

• Strong knowledge of purchasing, sourcing, supplier management, and procurement practices.

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a Supply Chain discipline may be considered in lieu of some experience.

• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.

• Experience with inventory management, cost analysis, and purchasing data.

• Familiarity with IATF / ISO 16949 requirements and quality management practices.

• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems; experience with Syteline CSI is an asset.

• Ability to understand and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, technical specifications, and component requirements.

• Basic technical knowledge of plastic, metal, and electronic components and their applications.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manipulate, analyze, and present purchasing data.

• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and make sound purchasing decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality, cost, delivery, and continuous improvement.

Who We Are

Curtiss-Wright Industrial Division, which includes the legacy brands of Arens Controls, Penny & Giles, PG Drives Technology and Williams Controls, is an excellent supplier in providing components and sub-systems which enable customer specific solutions for on- and off-highway vehicles. These include medium- and heavy-duty trucks, buses and motor coaches, construction and agricultural vehicles, materials handling, and other specialty vehicles, as well as sophisticated wheelchairs and scooters for medical mobility.

Arens Controls products comprise state-of-the-art drivetrain components, such as ‘by-wire’ and mechanical transmission shifters, as well as electronic control systems for the Hybrid Electronic Vehicle (HEV) market.
The products are the legacy of the Arens Controls company founded in 1939 and acquired by Curtiss-Wright in 2013.

Find out more information and view our products here: https://www.cw-industrialgroup.com/About/Arens-Controls

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No unsolicited agency submittals please.  Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal.  Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.  

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening.  In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn. 

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.

For US Applicants: EEO is The Law – click here for more information.

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.