Lead, Plant Purchasing Operations Partner

About the role

This role serves as the site-level purchasing operations lead, supporting plant execution and keeping material flow uninterrupted. It acts as the plant's voice within the Purchasing Center, aligning site priorities with enterprise procurement processes, standard work and governance. The position leads resolution of complex supply and execution challenges affecting production schedules, customer commitments, inventory health and operational performance, working with Planning, Operations, Quality, Logistics and Procurement Operations teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead resolution of complex supply and procurement execution challenges, such as constrained supply, material shortages, inventory risk and production disruptions
• Coordinate escalation management between plants, suppliers, Planning, Quality and Purchasing Center teams
• Serve as the primary site liaison for Procurement Operations, representing plant priorities in execution decisions
• Identify and communicate supplier performance, supply continuity and fulfillment risks
• Partner with Planning and Operations to support production schedules, inventory strategies and customer demand
• Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring supply disruptions
• Elevate risks and performance gaps through governance forums such as S&OE and S&OP
• Promote standard work, escalation disciplines and purchasing governance across supported sites
• Analyze purchasing execution performance using metrics to find improvement opportunities
• Support process improvements, automation and digital tools that increase visibility and standardization
• Advise procurement, planning and operational stakeholders on purchasing processes, escalation management and risk mitigation

Required profile

• Typically 8 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree, or 6 years with a master's degree, or equivalent experience in supply chain, purchasing, procurement operations, operations or a related field
• Demonstrated experience managing complex procurement execution, supply continuity, supplier performance and exception management
• Experience leading cross-functional issue resolution and influencing stakeholders across Planning, Operations, Quality, Logistics, Finance and Procurement
• Ability to identify risks, analyze data and develop practical solutions
• Experience developing or supporting governance processes, KPI management, escalation frameworks and continuous improvement initiatives

Required skills

• Advanced knowledge of procurement operations, purchasing processes, supply planning concepts and ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred)
• Strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills
• Experience using metrics, dashboards and performance indicators to support decisions