Procurement Lead

Description

CLEVELAND GEAR COMPANY

Are you a Go-Getter? Do you find yourself constantly thinking of new and innovative ways to do things? Cleveland Gear, a leading manufacturer of high-quality worm gearing, industrial speed reducers and customized gear drives, is currently seeking candidates like YOU for Procurement Lead. We are seeking energetic, highly motivated, and take-charge individuals who are seeking a challenging and exciting opportunity to join a well-established, profitable, and growing company. So, what's in it for you? Exceptional benefits package, 401K Plan, Family Atmosphere, and plenty room for growth!

Here is how YOU would help benefit the team:

Position Summary

The Procurement Lead is responsible for overseeing all aspects of purchasing and supplier management to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality procurement of materials, equipment, and services. This role combines the tactical execution of purchasing with the strategic responsibilities of supplier negotiation, cost reduction, and cross-department collaboration. The Procurement Lead acts as the key liaison between internal departments and external suppliers to support production goals, profitability, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement

• Coordinate and manage all procurement activities from intent to purchase through final delivery.
• Analyze material requirements, specifications, preferred suppliers, and delivery timelines.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and contract terms with suppliers to ensure optimal cost, quality, and delivery.
• Maintain and update approved supplier lists; investigate and evaluate new supplier opportunities.
• Report cost savings, supplier performance, and sourcing opportunities to management on a quarterly basis.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure on-time delivery and adherence to quality standards for all purchased materials and outside services.
• Review documentation for purchased items and ensure supplier compliance with company standards.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, purchase orders, shipping notices, and pattern lists for foundries.
• Resolve delivery, invoicing, and quality issues promptly in collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.
• Collaborate with Finance on cost changes and purchasing impacts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Finance to ensure purchasing aligns with production schedules and business needs.
• Communicate supplier performance, pricing trends, and sourcing strategies to internal stakeholders.
• Lead coordination between purchasing, planning, and inventory control to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Provide complete and timely documentation to internal departments and suppliers.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency and supplier relationships.
• Stay current with trends and best practices in purchasing, sourcing, and materials management.
• Support ERP/MRP utilization and data integrity to streamline purchasing operations.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred) in lieu of degree, minimum 7 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain roles.
• Experience in manufacturing or industrial environments preferred.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (BPCS, IBM iSeries, or similar).
• Casting/forging sourcing experience a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to balance cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Excellent communication and vendor relationship management abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general computer literacy.
• Ability to read blueprints and technical specifications.
• Strategic thinker with attention to detail and a results-driven mindset.

Work Environment

Full-time, primarily office-based with occasional visits to supplier or production sites. May require occasional travel to suppliers or conferences. Typically quiet office setting; occasional exposure to production floor noise.

Physical Requirements

Regularly required to sit, talk, and use hands for data entry and communication. Occasionally required to walk or lift up to 25 pounds. Must be able to read documents and computer screens with close and distance vision.