Director of Purchasing

The Director of Purchasing will lead strategic sourcing efforts to support company growth, with a strong focus on industrial hydraulic components used in heavy-duty applications. This role is responsible for managing supplier relationships, sourcing from key OEMs and manufacturers, and ensuring high-quality, cost-effective components for aftermarket and remanufacturing operations. The position also drives category strategy, cost optimization, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering and operations while maintaining quality, safety, and supply continuity.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Purchasing Strategy & Leadership Develop and execute sourcing strategies specifically for hydraulic systems and fluid power components used in heavy industrial and mobile equipment. Lead and mentor purchasing professionals with an emphasis on strengthening hydraulic category expertise. Supplier & Vendor Management Identify, qualify, and manage relationships with hydraulic component manufacturers and OEM tier suppliers. Drive strategic partnerships with suppliers of pumps, motors, cylinders, valves, hydraulic power units, and related assemblies. Negotiate contracts that secure competitive pricing, high reliability, and consistent availability of hydraulics critical to equipment performance. Cost Optimization & Risk Management Lead cost reduction initiatives in hydraulic categories through supplier consolidation, alternative sourcing, and value engineering. Evaluate global hydraulic component market trends (pricing, lead times, material costs, technology evolution) to inform purchasing decisions. Cross Functional Collaboration Partner with Engineering and Operations to determine hydraulic component specifications, redesign opportunities, and reliability improvements. Work closely with technical teams to ensure sourced hydraulics meet pressure ratings, durability expectations, and OEM grade performance standards. Systems & Process Improvement Use ERP and digital tools to track hydraulic supplier performance, lead times, component failure trends, and category KPIs. Improve processes for sourcing high precision hydraulic components requiring tight tolerances and quality assurance 10+ years of procurement or sourcing experience within heavy industrial, construction equipment, mobile hydraulics, off highway, or agricultural machinery manufacturing. Must have extensive experience purchasing or sourcing hydraulic components such as pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, hoses, manifolds, hydraulic power units, and filtration systems. Strong understanding of hydraulic systems used in heavy equipment (e.g., bulldozers, excavators, telehandlers, skid steers, forestry machinery, mining vehicles). Direct experience working with or sourcing from major hydraulic OEMs (e.g., Parker, Client, Bosch Rexroth, Danfoss, Kawasaki, Hydac, Gates, Manuli, Ryco, Texas Hydraulics). MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 10+ years of procurement or sourcing experience within heavy industrial, construction equipment, mobile hydraulics, off highway, or agricultural machinery manufacturing. Must have extensive experience purchasing or sourcing hydraulic components such as pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, hoses, manifolds, hydraulic power units, and filtration systems. Strong understanding of hydraulic systems used in heavy equipment (e.g., bulldozers, excavators, telehandlers, skid steers, forestry machinery, mining vehicles). Direct experience working with or sourcing from major hydraulic OEMs (e.g., Parker, Client, Bosch Rexroth, Danfoss, Kawasaki, Hydac, Gates, Manuli, Ryco, Texas Hydraulics). Ability to interpret hydraulic schematics, component specifications, and pressure/flow requirements is preferred.