Job Details

Job Title: Purchasing Manager Location: Phoenix, Arizona

About the Company:

Controlled Environments Company (CEC) is a single source supplier and solutions provider to customers operating in critically clean and controlled environments. Established in 1996, the company supports some of the world's largest multinational manufacturers across the microelectronics, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, life science, and medical device industries.

Job Summary:

The Purchasing Manager will lead procurement operations for our U.S. distribution business, based in Phoenix, Arizona. This role is responsible for sourcing, vendor management, demand planning, and inventory control across a range of commodities. The successful candidate will have expertise in ERP (ideally SAP), MRP, and supply chain optimization methodologies, including Kanban, VMI, and predictive forecasting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and oversee a highly-performing procurement team to support the full suite of purchasing activities – e.g. Sourcing, Buying, Planning, Logistics, Inventory Management.
• Develop and execute purchasing strategies for industrial commodities and consumables
• Manage vendor relationships, performance, negotiations, scorecards, and compliance
• Optimize inventory levels using MRP and demand forecasting tools
• Support the Implementation and maintenance of Kanban systems and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs
• Collaborate with operations, sales, and warehousing teams to support business needs
• Monitor and act on supply chain risks, disruptions, and cost-saving opportunities
• Analyze purchasing metrics and KPIs to ensure cost-effectiveness and continuity of supply
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline procurement workflows
• Ensure purchasing processes are efficient and ERP (SAP) capability correctly leveraged
• Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimum stocking levels, sufficient inventory turns, FIFO management, and correct management of batch/date-sensitive items.
• Utilise the latest tools, techniques, and technologies to optimize the procurement process e.g. Predictive Analytics, 3-bin strategies, AI tools, etc.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in ‘Supply Chain Management', ‘Procurement', ‘Business', or related field
• 5+ years of purchasing experience, ideally in an industrial distribution environment
• Strong knowledge of industrial supplies, PPE, MRO, Cleanroom products, and related commodities
• Proficient in ERP systems, with preference for SAP
• Deep understanding of MRP principles, forecasting, Kanban, and VMI systems
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong people management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• APICS/ISM certification (e.g., CPIM, CSCP, CPSM)
• Experience with predictive analytics tools and demand planning software
• Background in ISO or GMP-regulated supply chains (advantageous)