Operational Purchasing Manager

At Pepperl+Fuchs, we combine a strong commitment to innovation with a deep respect for the traditions that have shaped our success. From renewable energy and automotive production to water treatment plants and chemical systems, our advanced electronic sensors and automation components enable smooth and safe operations around the globe. 

We take pride in fostering a supportive and collaborative workplace culture, where employees feel connected and valued - much like a close-knit family. As we continue to grow, we are excited to welcome a new team member for the following position:

Role Purpose

The Operational Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the global Operational Purchasing (OP) function to ensure the uninterrupted availability of raw materials and merchandise required to meet production and customer demand.

This role drives operational excellence across purchasing, inventory management, supplier performance, and process improvement while fostering strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. The incumbent will lead a high-performing team, champion continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to the achievement of global supply chain objectives through effective resource planning, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Role Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach, and develop the Operational Purchasing team to build a high-performing organization, measured by achievement of team performance targets, succession readiness, and employee capability growth.

• Ensure continuous raw material and merchandise availability to meet production needs, achieving aligned KPIs for supply continuity and minimal material shortages impacting operations.

• Proactively manage supply risks, escalations, and supplier delivery issues, driving reduction in material-related disruptions and escalation cases.

• Drive cross-functional alignment with Supply Chain Planning, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and R&D to ensure business continuity and high customer satisfaction, measured by stable production flow and fulfillment performance.

• Monitor and improve supplier performance, implementing corrective actions to enhance on-time delivery, quality, reliability, and responsiveness, reflected in improved supplier OTIF and supply reliability KPIs.

• Oversee inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels while balancing working capital and production needs, ensuring compliance with global inventory targets and policies.

• Drive inventory efficiency by improving inventory turnover and accuracy while minimizing excess and obsolete stock in line with organizational benchmarks.

• Lead cost optimization initiatives across procurement and logistics, including premium freight reduction and sourcing optimization, delivering measurable cost savings.

• Champion operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, ERP optimization, analytics, and automation, measured by successful delivery of process improvement KPIs and operational efficiency gains.

• Lead global and cross-functional projects by establishing governance, SOPs, reporting frameworks, and best practices, ensuring successful delivery of strategic initiatives and achievement of departmental operational performance targets.

Role Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Economics, Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 8 years of experience in Operational Purchasing, Material Planning, Supply Chain Management, or a related manufacturing environment.

• Minimum 3 years of people leadership experience managing purchasing, planning, or supply chain teams.

• Strong knowledge of inventory management, material planning, supplier management, and operational procurement processes.

• Demonstrated experience in ERP systems, data analytics, and advanced Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and reporting tools.

• Proven track record in leading continuous improvement initiatives, Lean methodologies, and cross-functional projects within a manufacturing environment.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities with the ability to manage complex supply chain challenges and competing priorities.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build effective relationships across global teams and supplier networks.

• International or regional supply chain experience within a multinational organization is highly desirable.

• Formal project management experience or certification, and experience managing global suppliers and multi-site operational purchasing activities would be advantageous.

Are you excited about this opportunity? We can’t wait to get to know you! Submit your application online — we’re looking forward to hearing from you!

Pepperl+Fuchs actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of ethnicity, country of origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, skin color, physical or mental abilities, social background, or any other protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made based on these principles and in full compliance with applicable federal and state laws.