Director of Purchasing

Position: Director of Purchasing – Hydraulic Systems
Locations: Mobile, AL | Detroit, MI | Tacoma,WA  (Relocation Supported)
Type: Full-Time

About the Role:
A global leader in sustainable manufacturing, serving automotive and industrial markets, is seeking a Director of Purchasing to lead strategic sourcing for industrial hydraulic components used in heavy-duty applications. This role focuses on supplier management, sourcing from key OEMs and manufacturers, and ensuring high-quality, cost-effective components for aftermarket and remanufacturing operations. The Director will also drive category strategy, cost optimization, and collaborate closely with engineering and operations while maintaining quality, safety, and supply continuity.

Key Responsibilities:

Purchasing Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for hydraulic and fluid-power components in heavy industrial and mobile equipment applications.
• Lead and mentor a team of purchasing professionals, building hydraulic category expertise.

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Identify, qualify, and manage relationships with hydraulic component manufacturers and OEM-tier suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts to secure competitive pricing, high reliability, and consistent availability of critical components.

Cost Optimization & Risk Management

• Drive cost-reduction initiatives through supplier consolidation, alternative sourcing, and value engineering.
• Monitor market trends—including pricing, lead times, material costs, and technology changes—to inform procurement decisions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering and Operations to define specifications, explore redesign opportunities, and improve component reliability.
• Ensure sourced hydraulics meet performance standards, pressure ratings, and durability expectations.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Utilize ERP and digital tools to track supplier performance, lead times, component trends, and category KPIs.
• Improve processes for sourcing high-precision hydraulic components requiring tight tolerances and quality assurance.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of procurement or sourcing experience within heavy industrial, construction equipment, off-highway, mobile hydraulics, or agricultural machinery manufacturing.
• Extensive experience sourcing hydraulic components such as pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, hoses, manifolds, hydraulic power units, and filtration systems.
• Strong understanding of hydraulic systems in heavy equipment (e.g., excavators, skid steers, forestry and mining equipment).
• Experience working with major hydraulic OEMs (specific names omitted for confidentiality).
• Ability to interpret hydraulic schematics and pressure/flow requirements preferred.