Procurement Manager

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, turboexpanders, services, and solutions for the liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied hydrogen (LH2), and industrial gases industries. Applications include fueling stations, marine engines, peak shaving, power generation, virtual pipelines, carbon capture, geothermal power, and well stimulation. We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with $1.5 B USD in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the management, direction and training of the Purchasing staff, inventory control, and sourcing and contracting all goods and services purchased by ACD. This individual is responsible for maintaining and developing buyers to ensure the demands and vast requirements of ACD, LLC are fulfilled.

The Purchasing Manager will work in close association with domestic and international suppliers and customers, Production, Engineering, and Finance departments to ensure ACD receives the best quality product at the lowest total cost.

Essential functions & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for all aspects of purchasing including setting pricing, negotiating agreements, terms and conditions, capitol asset procurement, controlling the budget and any other company wide purchases or requirements.
• Establishes and implements purchasing policies and ensures compliance.
• Directs and coordinates the activities of the Purchasing Department; responsible for the management, direction and training of the Purchasing staff.
• Locates and qualifies domestic and international vendors and develops new supply sources where current vendors are inadequate.
• Reconciles accounting issues pertaining to suppliers.
• Provides make vs. buy analysis, and stock on hand analysis as needed.
• Visits domestic and international supplier facilities to qualify them as new sources or to resolve production, design, quality or delivery problems.
• Analyzes whether supply programs such as kanban, consignment or vendor managed inventory would benefit the company and implements when appropriate.
• Identifies, implements and tracks key performance measures for the Purchasing function and drives improvement in those measures.

Requirements & Skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in business or related discipline; APICS, CPM or related certification.
• Seven years’ experience purchasing in a manufacturing environment with demonstrated progression of responsibility within the Purchasing environment. Five years of management experience supervising five or more employees. Experience working with castings, machined, forged, stamped, welded and electronic component suppliers.
• Ability to form a cohesive group consisting of multiple departments and to set and achieve attainable goals (team player.)
• Understanding of Purchasing principles, and how and when to implement.
• Degree in business or related subject required (AA plus experience considered.)
• Strong desire to improve supply chain and the ability to solve problems with minimal input from management.
• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of product.
• Understanding of various manufacturing principals and procedures including, but not limited to, castings, machined, bearings, motors, welded and electronic components.
• Ability to absorb information quickly, adjust to varying demands and conditions, and react effectively.
• Ability to train and mentor Purchasing staff.
• Understanding of MRP/ERP principles and how to use them effectively.
• Management experience (five or more employees) for five years.
• Knowledge of all business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, purchasing policies.
• Written communication skills: writes clearly and informatively and presents data effectively.
• Verbal communication skills: speaks clearly and persuasively to convey information effectively; actively listens to understand, asks questions as appropriate and responds well to questions.
• Organization skills: manages and completes multiple tasks on time and plans, prioritizes and organizes work to achieve goals with excellent follow through and follow up.
• Computer skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and Outlook.
• Ability to identify and implement changes to processes that increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the Purchasing department.
• Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings.
• Understand ledger entries/expense accounts.
• Ability to negotiate contract requirements to meet ACD’s needs.
• Flexibility to travel, including international (approx. 15% of time) for supplier visits as needed with Quality team support.
• Strong Interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• APICS or CPM certification.