Purchasing Manager

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the daily procurement operations that support production, service, and project requirements. This role ensures production supply continuity, drives cost competitiveness, manages supplier performance, and supports operations, quality, and engineering through effective sourcing strategies.  The Purchasing Manager provides tactical supplier management, supports the strategic direction set by the Manager, Supply Base Management, and ensures all purchasing activities align with company objectives, supply chain policies, and operational priorities.

Key Activities/Responsibilities:

• Supervise and support a team of Buyers in the execution of day-to-day procurement activities, ensuring the timely placement of orders and issue resolution for production.


• Assign purchasing responsibilities and balance workloads across the team, while providing guidance to improve negotiation skills, sourcing execution, and the use of analytical tools.


• Execute supplier selection and sourcing activities, including RFQs, quote evaluation, cost comparison, and support of contract implementation in alignment with established sourcing strategies.


• Provide regular feedback and coaching to Buyers on systems (e.g., JDE, Power BI), procurement processes, and standard negotiation practices, supporting enhanced performance management and contributing to individual development plans.


• Support the implementation of purchasing strategies focused on cost control, supplier performance, inventory optimization, and lead time reduction, ensuring alignment with broader organizational objectives.


• Assist with departmental administration, including input to resource planning, hiring processes, training coordination, and enforcement of company policies and procedures.


• Coordinate with Planning and Operations to manage shortages and expedite materials, ensuring continuity of supply and appropriate inventory levels.


• Monitor market conditions and supplier performance, escalating risks or opportunities, and supporting adaptation of sourcing approaches as directed.


• Track and report on key procurement initiatives, including cost savings, supplier performance, and process improvements.


• Collaborate closely with Demand Planning to align purchase orders with forecasts and changing requirements.


• Support contingency planning efforts, including identification of alternate suppliers and mitigation actions in coordination with supply base or sourcing leadership.


• Promote adherence to continuous improvement initiatives, supporting efforts to enhance purchasing processes and team effectiveness.


• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Planning, and Finance to support production requirements and resolve supply-related issues.


• Assist in identifying and mitigating supply risks, including supplier performance issues, capacity constraints, and single-source exposure, with escalation as appropriate.


• Complete other projects as assigned.

Requirements / Skills Needed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Management, or other related field of study required. Supply chain certifications such as CPSM, CPIM, or CSCP are preferred.


• Minimum of 7 years of experience in procurement and/or supply chain within a manufacturing and/or distribution environment. Experience in training supply chain team members is helpful.


• Broad understanding of supply chain management within a manufacturing environment.


• Ability to analyze complex data, identify and execute savings opportunities, develop/ implement sourcing strategies, and quickly execute tasks to realize benefits.


• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills, particularly in resolving supplier performance issues.


• Strong project management experience; capable of managing multiple priorities and coordinating strategies/ activities across multiple business functions.


• Previous MRP/ERP experience required, preferably JD Edwards.


• Proficiency in MS Office software tools, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Project.


• Comfortable and able to troubleshoot process gaps and inefficiencies, leading to resolution.


• Experience in training employees and enhancing the skills of a supply chain team.


• Ability to communicate with and influence diverse audiences across different functions and geographic locations while demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.


• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Wage Range: $77,998 - $111,425

Benefits of Employment

In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits including: annual bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) with matching contributions and tuition reimbursement. We provide our employees with a smoke-free, drug-free workplace.

About Us

Federal Signal in University Park is a leading manufacturer and supplier of comprehensive systems and products used to protect people and property. Our products and integrated solutions include systems for campus and community alerting, emergency vehicles, first responder interoperable communications, industrial communications, and command and municipal networked security. Specific products include: lightbars and sirens, public warning sirens and public safety software.

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at [email protected]. All other applications must be submitted online.