LARGE Kansas manufacturing plant/company needs a Purchasing Manager.  This is a VERY large facility and part of an international manufacturing company with locations all over the world. 

Summary:  The primary focus of this position is to manage all commercial and supplier related activities during the New Production Introduction (NPI) process, direct the MRO purchasing function at the plant and serve as the purchasing representative supporting local management as required.  Supervise and direct NPI buyers working with engineering to achieve new product development goals.  The manager and his/her staff will work closely with central purchasing in MN to insure quality, reliability and economic objectives are met.  The position requires excellent project management skill and interpersonal skills, as you will be working hand in hand with engineering product development, marketing, manufacturing and material planning to ensure the success of NPI. 

This position is a highly visible one in which you will present to  Senior Management on a regular basis proress of NPI activities.  The working environment is at one of three North American plant locations. 

Essential functions/Responsibilities: 

Develop strong relationship with various NPI process owners including Design Engineering, Product Development, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, etc.........  and gain leadership in all commercial and supplier matters.  Active participation in corporate Product Committee.  Drive Make VS Buy analysis and recommendation during NPI phase to meet company corporate objectives.  Work with commodity managers in MN to develop RFQ/RFP and negotiate best in class price, payment terms, quality levels, and delivery terms for purchased products in compliance with company corporate objectives.  Lead and support on-site supplier assembly/certification audits.  Perform supplier cost modelling, supplier opportunity assessments, supplier financial analysis, long-term contract establishment with focus on continued quality and productivity improvement that lead to cost reduction and warranty agreement.  Acquire and maintain solid and current knowledge of commodity trends, including new technology and manufacturing process, industry trends, commodity cost drivers, global pricing, material lead times.  Develop and drive acceptance of preferred suppliers with corporate commodity managers, and coordinate regular supplier technology roadmap reviews.  Identify new and/or alternate sources of supply as necessary to support new product development.  Work with engineering to support testing and approval of cost reduction initiatives driven by commodity buyers.  Transition knowledge of NPI products to corporate commodity managers and ensure seamless transition from NPI to production.  Facilitate and evaluate Engineering Change Notifications to ensure timely implementation and minimize materials obsolescence. 

Qualifications:  Four Year Business or Engineering degree.  Proficient in the use of Microsoft office suite software including Excel, Word, Powerpoint and MS project.  Some foreign language comprehension and experience working with suppliers in Europe, SA and Asia is a plus.  APICS and NAPM certification preferred. 

Must have 5-7 years experience in purchasing with in depth knowledge of NPI process preferably with an OEM or Tier One supplier environment. 

Some domestic and global travel, estimated to be 10-30%......... 

Must be able to work in USA with NO SPONSORSHIP.