Director of Procurement - Crane 1 Services : Job Details

About the Company

Crane 1 is a privately-held leading provider of overhead cranes, hoists, and related services that supports customers across construction, heavy industrial, manufacturing and other sectors. The company is progressive, in growth-mode, and benefited by a blended sales / service / operations approach that enables full life cycle support with both products and its customers. This includes the full gamut of safety inspections and assessments, PM programs, emergency response, repair/upgrade/modernization, sales of both parts & equipment + service, and design/engineering solutions and consultation. This overall strategy has enabled Crane 1 to become a leading provider of overhead crane MRO services and equipment that maximize safety, diminish liability, reduce maintenance costs, and increase overall productivity. Additionally, Crane 1 operates a leading e-commerce site branded “Hoist Central,” providing customers with the highest level of service on hard-to-find controls and parts. Headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, the company operates across 17 states. Since 2021, Crane 1 has been partnered with PE leader L Squared Capital, helping to provide guidance and growth support.

About the Role

Crane 1 is seeking an experienced and fast-starting Director of Procurement to be responsible for leading the procurement strategy, managing supplier relationships, inventory management and optimizing the purchasing processes to support Crane 1 Services' operational and financial objectives. This role will oversee sourcing, negotiating contracts, and ensuring cost-effective procurement of equipment, parts, and services while maintaining quality and reliability. The ideal candidate will have a blend of experience that enables them to build-out the Procurement department and team, and then demonstrate success. Reporting directly to the COO, this is a demanding, 'hands-on', entrepreneurial position that requires a person with the ability to prioritize and complete a wide variety of management, operational, and sales-oriented activities - including being responsible for inventory, buyers, and purchasing. Having a passion for providing top-notch customer service to our customers is a must for this role, as Crane 1 operates in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. Specifically, Crane 1 is seeking a leader who has built a Procurement function previously - including:

• Establishing a central procurement group with SLA's and workflows.
• Leading development and ownership of the Procure to Pay process for the organization.
• Creation of KPI's and strategy for managing continuous improvement.
• Driving cost savings initiatives.
• Inventory management across a distributed organization.

Crane 1 has partnered with HHS Talent Solutions for the fulfillment of this role.

Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement & Supplier Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive purchasing strategy aligned with company goals.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to ensure the best quality, pricing, and service.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with key suppliers to secure favorable terms.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and supplier performance.

Operational Procurement

• Oversee procurement of cranes, hoists, parts, and maintenance-related materials.
• Ensure procurement activities align with operational needs and project timelines.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with operations to optimize stock management.
• Standardize purchasing processes to improve efficiency and cost control.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all purchases comply with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies.
• Monitor and mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions, pricing fluctuations, and vendor reliability.
• Stay up to date with market trends, material costs, and industry best practices.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and mentor the procurement team, fostering a culture of accountability and performance.
• Collaborate with internal departments (Operations, Finance, Engineering) to ensure procurement supports business needs.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders to enhance procurement effectiveness.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or procurement management, preferably in industrial services, manufacturing, or construction.

Required Skills

• Strategic sourcing and vendor management & strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Experience with ERP and procurement software, and excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels, and proven ability to develop an overarching program of vendor management, process improvement and cost optimization.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Pay range

135-165K Base Salary (DoE), Incentive

Equal Opportunity Statement

Crane 1 is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and offers a competitive compensation package that includes base salary & incentive commensurate with experience, and quality benefits for all employees.

Crane 1 is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity and inclusivity.