Purchasing Manager

at  Kurita America Inc

Overview:
Kurita America is part of the Kurita Group, one of the leading water solutions providers in the world. Established in 1949, the Kurita Group is comprised of an international network of approximately 8000 employees located in 18 countries.
Located in Minneapolis, MN, Kurita America brings innovations to market through a holistic water management approach, incorporating state-of-the art equipment, chemistries, engineering, and services to conserve natural resources for a better, more sustainable world.
Kurita’s corporate philosophy is to study the properties of water, master them and create an environment in which nature and humanity are in harmony
Title: Purchasing Manager
Location: Brooklyn Park, MN
Salary: $95,000 - $115,000

JOB SUMMARY

As the Purchasing Manager at Kurita, you will be responsible for overseeing the procurement process, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring the timely acquisition of materials and services. You will play a critical role in optimizing costs, ensuring quality, and maintaining a consistent supply chain. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent negotiation skills and a strong understanding of the market dynamics.

Responsibilities:

• Procurement Strategy - Develop and implement purchasing strategies in alignment with company goals and market conditions.
• Supplier Management - Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to secure the best terms and maintain strong relationships.
• Cost Optimization - Monitor market trends and negotiate pricing, delivery terms, and service agreements to achieve cost savings and value.
• Quality Assurance - Ensure that all purchased goods and services meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Inventory Management - Collaborate with inventory control and production teams to manage stock levels, minimize excess, and avoid shortages.
• Risk Management - Assess and mitigate risks related to the supply chain, including potential disruptions and supplier performance issues.
• Reporting & Analysis - Track purchasing metrics, analyze market conditions, and provide regular reports to senior management.
• Team Leadership - Lead and mentor the purchasing team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

Qualifications:

• Education - Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field or equivalent experience. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CPM, CPSM) is a plus.
• Experience - Minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, preferably in the water treatment or industrial sector. At least 3 years in a Supervisory/Leadership role
• Skills
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Responsibilities:

• Procurement Strategy - Develop and implement purchasing strategies in alignment with company goals and market conditions.
• Supplier Management - Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to secure the best terms and maintain strong relationships.
• Cost Optimization - Monitor market trends and negotiate pricing, delivery terms, and service agreements to achieve cost savings and value.
• Quality Assurance - Ensure that all purchased goods and services meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Inventory Management - Collaborate with inventory control and production teams to manage stock levels, minimize excess, and avoid shortages.
• Risk Management - Assess and mitigate risks related to the supply chain, including potential disruptions and supplier performance issues.
• Reporting & Analysis - Track purchasing metrics, analyze market conditions, and provide regular reports to senior management.
• Team Leadership - Lead and mentor the purchasing team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment