Procurement Manager

Company DescriptionFlender is a leading global supplier for mechanical drive systems and has the reputation for highest performance, innovation, quality, and reliability of mechanical components for 125 years. We're now hiring a talented Procurement Manager for our team in Elgin, IL on a full-time basis. If you're eager for your next challenge, Flender is a great place to grow your career.For more information on Flender, please see website: www.flender.comEqual Employment Opportunity StatementFlender is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, other categories protected by federal, state, or local law, and regardless of whether the qualified applicants are individuals with disabilities.Job Summary:The Procurement Manager leads the operational procurement team in the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services aligned with the Global Procurement Strategy. This role drives team performance, champions best practices and process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency and support business objectives, ensures compliance with company policies and regulations, and builds strong supplier relationships.Job Responsibilities:Lead, motivate, and develop the operational procurement team, setting clear objectives, KPIs, and providing training and mentorship in best practices and continuous improvement. Manage and optimize daily procurement operations, including purchase order processing, supplier communications, issue resolution, and accurate documentation. Champion process improvement initiatives, including analyzing purchasing processes, implementing best practices, and leading cross-functional projects to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and standardize work. Establish, monitor, and analyze key purchasing and procurement metrics, generating reports and using insights to drive continuous improvement in cost, quality, and delivery. Implement and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and compliance measures to ensure alignment with company regulations and efficiency. Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating prices, terms, and delivery schedules to ensure best value for the company. Monitor supplier performance, resolving quality, delivery, and invoicing issues while facilitating root cause analysis and corrective actions. Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (Finance, Operations, Logistics, etc.) to understand requirements and align procurement activities. Support sourcing, supplier selection, and digital transformation initiatives in collaboration with strategic procurement, including automation and adoption of new technologies. Stay current with market trends, supply chain risks, and new supplier opportunities to proactively manage risk and identify improvement areas.Required Knowledge/Skills, Education, and Experience:Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration or a related field.Minimum 7 years of experience in procurement, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.Professional certification (e.g., APICS, ASCM, CPSM) and experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).Strong knowledge of SAP procurement processes and ERP experience required.Strong analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills.Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.Key CompetenciesLeadership and team managementSupplier relationship managementProcess optimization and continuous improvementAnalytical and technical proficiency Flender as an employer offers:Paid Time Off (18 Days)Paid HolidaysTuition ReimbursementMedical, Dental, Vision, Life InsuranceFlexible Spending AccountHealth Savings Account401k (6% Employer Match)Employee Assistance Program