Aston Carter
Director Of Procurement
Aston Carter, Santa Fe Springs, California, United States, 90670
Position Overview
As the Director of Purchasing, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's procurement strategy, driving cost efficiencies, and ensuring the seamless flow of raw materials to support our business objectives. You will oversee all purchasing activities, manage key supplier relationships, negotiate favorable contracts, and optimize procurement processes to achieve organizational goals. With a focus on cost control, quality assurance, and operational excellence, you will lead a high-performing team to elevate our procurement function and deliver sustained value across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Procurement LeadershipDevelop and implement comprehensive purchasing strategies that align with company goals, ensuring cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.Identify and capitalize on opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and supplier innovations to strengthen the procurement function.Forecast and plan purchasing needs based on market trends, business growth, and seasonal demand fluctuations.Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Operations, and Finance, to align procurement strategies with organizational priorities.2. Supplier Relationship & Vendor Management
Cultivate and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key suppliers and vendors, ensuring consistency in quality, pricing, and service levels.Lead regular supplier performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and resolving issues related to quality, delivery, and service.Negotiate and manage contracts, pricing agreements, and terms to secure favorable conditions and mitigate risks.Source and evaluate new suppliers to ensure a diverse, reliable, and cost-effective supply chain.3. Team Leadership & Development
Lead, inspire, and mentor the purchasing team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous professional growth.Set clear performance goals, define responsibilities, and conduct regular performance reviews to ensure team alignment with organizational objectives.Promote a collaborative and innovative work environment, driving team engagement and knowledge-sharing.4. Budget & Cost Control
Manage the purchasing budget, ensuring purchases are made in accordance with financial guidelines and strategic priorities.Track and monitor purchasing expenditures to identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and service standards.Prepare and present detailed reports on purchasing activities, cost savings, supplier performance, and other key metrics for leadership.5. Procurement Process Optimization
Oversee the entire procurement lifecycle, from requisition to order fulfillment and invoicing, ensuring seamless and timely execution.Identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the procurement process and implement solutions to streamline workflows and improve lead times.Implement and maintain purchasing systems and technologies (e.g., ERP software) to track procurement data, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and optimize purchasing strategies.6. Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements.Proactively identify and address potential supply chain risks, such as disruptions, price volatility, and vendor reliability, minimizing the impact on business operations.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market trends, supply chain innovations, and global sourcing opportunities to mitigate procurement risks and capitalize on new opportunities.7. Data-Driven Decision Making & Reporting
Utilize purchasing data and market analysis to inform strategic decisions, optimize purchasing practices, and achieve operational efficiencies.Develop and present regular reports on KPIs such as cost savings, supplier performance (e.g., QBRs), inventory levels, and procurement efficiency.Leverage data insights to drive continuous improvement and refine procurement strategies for maximum impact.8. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with other departments (Sales, Finance, Logistics, Operations) to ensure a seamless and aligned approach to supply chain management.Provide guidance and strategic input to ensure purchasing decisions support the overall goals of inventory management and production planning.9. Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Stay informed of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and new procurement methodologies to drive continuous improvement within the purchasing function.Lead initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving service delivery in the procurement process.Qualifications
Experience:
Minimum of 7-10 years
in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management, with at least
5 years in a leadership role
overseeing a team.Proven track record of managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and driving cost savings initiatives.Skills & Competencies:
Strong Negotiation & Communication:
Demonstrated ability to negotiate favorable contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers while maintaining strong relationships.Analytical Mindset:
Exceptional ability to analyze data and trends to inform procurement decisions and identify cost-saving opportunities.ERP & Purchasing Software Proficiency:
Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and purchasing software to streamline procurement processes.Budget Management & Financial Acumen:
Strong financial management skills with the ability to develop and manage budgets, monitor expenditures, and implement cost-control measures.Leadership & Team Development:
Proven experience in leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment.Risk Management & Compliance:
Deep understanding of procurement risks, compliance regulations, and the ability to implement risk mitigation strategies.About Aston Carter:
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Aston Carter, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talentMaintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflectionBuilding a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomesEnsuring growth opportunities for our people
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.
As the Director of Purchasing, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's procurement strategy, driving cost efficiencies, and ensuring the seamless flow of raw materials to support our business objectives. You will oversee all purchasing activities, manage key supplier relationships, negotiate favorable contracts, and optimize procurement processes to achieve organizational goals. With a focus on cost control, quality assurance, and operational excellence, you will lead a high-performing team to elevate our procurement function and deliver sustained value across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Procurement LeadershipDevelop and implement comprehensive purchasing strategies that align with company goals, ensuring cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.Identify and capitalize on opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and supplier innovations to strengthen the procurement function.Forecast and plan purchasing needs based on market trends, business growth, and seasonal demand fluctuations.Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Operations, and Finance, to align procurement strategies with organizational priorities.2. Supplier Relationship & Vendor Management
Cultivate and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key suppliers and vendors, ensuring consistency in quality, pricing, and service levels.Lead regular supplier performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and resolving issues related to quality, delivery, and service.Negotiate and manage contracts, pricing agreements, and terms to secure favorable conditions and mitigate risks.Source and evaluate new suppliers to ensure a diverse, reliable, and cost-effective supply chain.3. Team Leadership & Development
Lead, inspire, and mentor the purchasing team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous professional growth.Set clear performance goals, define responsibilities, and conduct regular performance reviews to ensure team alignment with organizational objectives.Promote a collaborative and innovative work environment, driving team engagement and knowledge-sharing.4. Budget & Cost Control
Manage the purchasing budget, ensuring purchases are made in accordance with financial guidelines and strategic priorities.Track and monitor purchasing expenditures to identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and service standards.Prepare and present detailed reports on purchasing activities, cost savings, supplier performance, and other key metrics for leadership.5. Procurement Process Optimization
Oversee the entire procurement lifecycle, from requisition to order fulfillment and invoicing, ensuring seamless and timely execution.Identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies in the procurement process and implement solutions to streamline workflows and improve lead times.Implement and maintain purchasing systems and technologies (e.g., ERP software) to track procurement data, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and optimize purchasing strategies.6. Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements.Proactively identify and address potential supply chain risks, such as disruptions, price volatility, and vendor reliability, minimizing the impact on business operations.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market trends, supply chain innovations, and global sourcing opportunities to mitigate procurement risks and capitalize on new opportunities.7. Data-Driven Decision Making & Reporting
Utilize purchasing data and market analysis to inform strategic decisions, optimize purchasing practices, and achieve operational efficiencies.Develop and present regular reports on KPIs such as cost savings, supplier performance (e.g., QBRs), inventory levels, and procurement efficiency.Leverage data insights to drive continuous improvement and refine procurement strategies for maximum impact.8. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with other departments (Sales, Finance, Logistics, Operations) to ensure a seamless and aligned approach to supply chain management.Provide guidance and strategic input to ensure purchasing decisions support the overall goals of inventory management and production planning.9. Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Stay informed of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and new procurement methodologies to drive continuous improvement within the purchasing function.Lead initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving service delivery in the procurement process.Qualifications
Experience:
Minimum of 7-10 years
in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management, with at least
5 years in a leadership role
overseeing a team.Proven track record of managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and driving cost savings initiatives.Skills & Competencies:
Strong Negotiation & Communication:
Demonstrated ability to negotiate favorable contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers while maintaining strong relationships.Analytical Mindset:
Exceptional ability to analyze data and trends to inform procurement decisions and identify cost-saving opportunities.ERP & Purchasing Software Proficiency:
Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and purchasing software to streamline procurement processes.Budget Management & Financial Acumen:
Strong financial management skills with the ability to develop and manage budgets, monitor expenditures, and implement cost-control measures.Leadership & Team Development:
Proven experience in leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment.Risk Management & Compliance:
Deep understanding of procurement risks, compliance regulations, and the ability to implement risk mitigation strategies.About Aston Carter:
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Aston Carter, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talentMaintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflectionBuilding a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomesEnsuring growth opportunities for our people
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.