Director of Purchasing - DSJ Global : Job Details

Position Summary

A leading innovator in the automotive aftermarket and remanufacturing sector is seeking a Director of Purchasing to lead strategic sourcing and procurement operations. This role is critical to ensuring the reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable acquisition of materials, components, and services-particularly within automotive manufacturing and hydraulic systems. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in aftermarket automotive supply chains, supplier development, and global sourcing strategies to support a rapidly growing operation focused on remanufactured and specialty vehicle components.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Purchasing Leadership

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with business growth, margin improvement, and operational excellence.
• Lead and mentor a team of purchasing professionals across multiple business units focused on automotive and hydraulic systems
• Establish procurement policies, procedures, and performance metrics to drive accountability and efficiency.

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with domestic and international suppliers specializing in automotive components, hydraulics, and remanufactured systems
• Negotiate contracts and payment terms that maximize value and minimize risk.
• Collaborate with suppliers to enhance product quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Cost Optimization & Risk Mitigation

• Identify cost-saving opportunities through volume leverage, alternate sourcing, and value engineering-especially in automotive and hydraulic categories
• Monitor global market trends, tariffs, and commodity pricing to inform purchasing decisions.
• Implement supplier risk assessments and contingency plans for critical supply categories.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, and Finance to align purchasing strategies with business needs.
• Support Operations in improving material availability, lead times, and inventory health for automotive and hydraulic assemblies
• Work with Finance to ensure budget alignment and accurate forecasting.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Utilize ERP systems (Oracle preferred) to streamline purchasing workflows and enhance data accuracy.
• Drive process improvements in supplier onboarding, PO management, and compliance reporting.
• Introduce digital tools and dashboards to improve visibility into supplier performance and procurement KPIs.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in purchasing or procurement leadership within automotive manufacturing, aftermarket, or hydraulics industries
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
• Strong understanding of global supply chains, trade compliance, and procurement best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence senior leadership.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (Oracle preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and advanced analytics tools.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and strategic planning skills.