Purchasing Lead/Supervisor

Company: Horstman Inc
Location: Sterling Heights
Posted on: January 9, 2026

Job Description:

Position Overview Horstman seeks a Purchasing professional capable of enhancing and supervising the procurement team. The successful candidate will oversee the procurement and supplier management activities assuring timely and cost-effective acquisition of materials, components, and services while leveraging the global footprint of purchasing. This Supervisor ensures compliance with established group procurement policies, systems and procedures. This position demands a strategic thinker with strong understanding of supply chain and procurement processes, manufacturing demands, and the ability to achieve cost and timing objectives within the buys. This position is key to scheduling, material planning, supplier communication and negotiation, and integrating with other company functions. Key Responsibilities Establish Standardized Program Management System & Procurement Execution and Coordination Procurement Management and Supervision: Source, negotiate, and procure materials, components and services in accordance with project requirements, ensuring compliance to specification and defense regulations. Manage procurement and global transportation. Supplier Relationship Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, fostering partnerships that ensure the reliability, quality and competitiveness of our supply base. Contract Negotiation: Negotiate terms, conditions and pricing with suppliers to secure best possible agreement while mitigating risks and ensuring adherence to budget. Supply Chain Optimization: Continuously evaluate and improve the supply chain processes, identifying opportunities for cost savings, efficiency improvements and risk mitigation strategies. Market Analysis: Conduct market research to stay informed about industry trends, pricing and availability of materials and components. Compliance: Ensure all procurement activities comply with industry regulations, Governmental procurement and security requirements, local and global company policies while maintaining accurate records and documentation. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Project Management, Cost Estimation, Quality Assurance, Group Purchasing, Global Commodity Management and other teams to align procurement strategies with project goals and timelines. Risk Management: Identify potential risks in the supply chain and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring continuity and reliable supply Systemization: Assure data integrity of supply chain data within the MRP system and support continued enhancement of the system to support efficiency gains. Team Supervision: Supervise the daily operations of the sourcing team. Provide mentoring and skill development to the Purchasing team of 1-4 people. Collaborate with the office of Programs, Operations to assure manufacturing paperwork is available as required, and quality to support smooth flow of material, on schedule and within budget. Understand principals of estimating and be able to supervise individuals in estimating. Skills: Strong negotiation and contract management skills Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision-making abilities Experience in procurement software, tools, MRP systems Strong communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Ability to work within a multi-national defense company with a multicultural, global customer base. Understands mechanical drawing nomenclature and has familiarity with engineering terminology Understanding of raw materials and manufacturing processes Understanding of cross border supply chain and logistics Ability to carry out supplier audits Detail oriented and organized with the ability to set directions for the team Positive attitude with a commitment to continuous improvement Ability to drive results and self-motivated Understanding of the requirements of US Defense import/export restrictions (ITAR) Required Qualifications Bachelors degree in business, supply chain, or related field 4 years of purchasing experience in the manufacturing aerospace/defense business In depth understanding of DoD program requirements, contracting, and government customer expectations. Experience with international suppliers and negotiating contracts. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and understanding of production scheduling and estimating fundamentals. Knowledge of ITAR/EAR/export controls. Strong leadership, communication and organizational skills. MS Office application proficiency. Experience managing cross-functional technical teams. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Comfortable with communication to all organizational levels. Direct experience negotiating with suppliers. Preferred Qualification Certifications such as MCIPS, CPSM, CPM, or CPIM or equivalent professional qualification combined with demonstratable experience in procurement-related positions Experience in a small-business environment where cross-functional coordination is critical. Holds a valid drivers license Manufacturing and inventory management Ability to travel internationally In depth understanding of VISUAL ERP Familiarity with manufacturing operations, configuration management, and quality systems (AS9100, ISO, etc.). PI01635066c547-25448-39405236

Keywords: Horstman Inc, Redford , Purchasing Lead/Supervisor, Engineering , Sterling Heights, Michigan