Position Overview
Align Production Systems is seeking a dynamic and strategic Procurement Lead to elevate our sourcing operations during a critical growth phase and ERP transformation. This role will drive both tactical purchasing execution and strategic supplier development across a split-campus engineering and manufacturing environment. Working closely with engineering, finance, and manufacturing, the Procurement Lead will architect scalable procurement processes, implement ERP workflows, and ensure alignment with broader operational goals.
This role will be based at our St Louis headquarters to ensure close collaboration with engineering and senior leadership, with frequent coordination with plant operations. This role will also have access to a part- to full-time procurement administration resource to manage day-to-day processing tasks.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Develop and manage sourcing strategies for key categories, balancing cost, quality, lead time, and risk.
- Establish and maintain strategic vendor relationships: lead negotiations, contract execution, and performance reviews.
- Partner with Engineering and Operations to source components aligned with technical specs and production demands.
- Mitigate supply chain disruptions and proactively identify alternative sourcing options.
- Achieve aggressive savings goals to support material margin targets
ERP Process Ownership (Acumatica)
- Serve as MRP lead for the 2025 Acumatica ERP implementation.
- Design and implement scalable procurement workflows: PO approvals, vendor portals, receiving protocols.
- Collaborate with IT and ERP consultants to ensure procurement functionality meets business needs.
- Develop and maintain procurement dashboards (e.g., spend analysis, lead times, supplier scorecards).
- Train users on procurement modules and change management best practices.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with manufacturing operations to align purchasing execution with strategic sourcing plans.
- Interface regularly with Finance, Engineering, and Inventory teams to ensure procurement supports company objectives.
- Lead supplier reviews with cross-functional stakeholders and build consensus on critical decisions.
Compliance, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure purchasing activities comply with corporate policies, audit requirements, and inventory control standards.
- Support monthly closing, audit prep, and inventory valuation with accurate data and reporting.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes, leveraging automation where feasible.
Preferred Candidate Profile
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.
- 5+ years in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- ERP implementation experience, preferably with Acumatica.
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and supplier development skills.
- Effective communicator across all levels of the organization.
- Comfortable working in a hybrid strategic/tactical role during system transition.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience supporting procurement during an ERP rollout.
- Knowledge of supplier scorecards, KPIs, and procurement automation tools.
- APICS/ISM or similar supply chain certification.
Location & Structure
- Primary Location: APS Headquarters in St Louis (with regular interaction with plant operations in Decatur, IL and travel required as well).
- Dual Reporting Structure: Reports to CFO with a dotted line to COO
- Team Structure: Will oversee plant-based tactical buyers and coordinate with offshore resources as appropriate.
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