Purchasing Manager (Thomasville)

Position Overview The Purchasing Manager is a plant-based leadership role responsible for managing raw materials procurement and inventory strategy to support a fast-paced, just-in-time manufacturing environment. This role supports a multi-facility furniture manufacturing operation, working closely with plant leadership to ensure material availability while reducing excess and obsolete inventory across wood, foam, fabric, and component supply categories. The position focuses on ERP-driven materials planning, inventory optimization, and cost efficiency initiatives, while leading a small purchasing team across the network.

Key Responsibilities Lead inventory optimization initiatives to reduce excess and obsolete materials while maintaining service levels to production Maintain and monitor inventory levels, safety stock settings, and reorder parameters across manufacturing locations Serve as the plant-level owner of ERP/MRP purchasing and inventory parameters, ensuring accurate data and system-driven replenishment Lead and mentor a small team of purchasing planners/buyers, setting expectations around inventory accuracy, planning discipline, and ERP utilization Work closely with plant operations, scheduling, and production teams to align purchasing with manufacturing demand and build schedules Support cost efficiency initiatives through improved materials planning, supplier performance management, and ERP-based purchasing strategies Identify and manage slow-moving or obsolete inventory, facilitating appropriate disposition and process improvements Develop and distribute purchasing analytics and KPI reports related to inventory, supplier performance, and planning accuracy Address and follow up on quality issues related to defective materials with suppliers and internal teams Document key purchasing procedures and maintain up-to-date ERP pricing, part number files, and planning parameters Oversee inventory transfer processes and provide related training across facilities Provide leadership and oversight for cycle count and physical inventory processes; analyze results and drive accuracy improvements Act as backup support for plant-level purchasing planners as needed Support 5S and material organization strategies for raw materials storage across facilities

Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience will be considered 5+ years of progressive purchasing, materials management, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment Strong background in inventory control, demand planning, and ERP/MRP-driven replenishment systems Experience in plant-based purchasing or materials leadership roles supporting production operations Demonstrated success leading inventory reduction, process improvement, or materials optimization initiatives Leadership or mentoring experience with buyers, planners, or purchasing team members Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive decisions and process improvements

What Success Looks Like in This Role Improved inventory accuracy and planning discipline Reduced excess and obsolete materials Stronger alignment between purchasing, ERP signals, and production needs A well-trained and accountable purchasing team Measurable improvements in inventory performance and materials flow across the plant network