International Purchasing Manager (Orange County)

Purchasing Manager (International)

Location: 100% On-Site | Orange County, CA (operations start at 6:00–6:30 AM)

Our client is an established domestic and global manufacturer with decades of operational excellence, engineering integrity, and industrial-level service. Their reputation has been built on product performance, consistency, enduring supplier partnerships, and a strong company culture.

They are seeking a Purchasing Manager (International) to lead and inherit a high-performing function and team.

Candidates currently operating at the Senior Manager or Director level will be considered based on experience and demonstrated international sourcing expertise.

What Makes This Role Different: This organization does not chase short-term cost reductions at the expense of supplier relationships. The expectation is disciplined purchasing aligned with manufacturing realities and long-term operational strength with expertise in:

• Casting, smelter, forge, foundry, and metal-based works
• Long-standing global supplier relationships
• On-site leadership culture
• Cross-functional manufacturing exposure
• Executive visibility
• Partnership-first philosophy

Overview: This is a strategic, hands-on leadership role. The right candidate will move beyond transactional procurement and strengthen international supplier relationships, deepen manufacturing intelligence within the department, and advance a partnership philosophy that sustains long-term vendor success and enhances the organization’s market position.

Under general supervision, leads and manages domestic and international purchasing functions, with a primary focus on global sourcing strategies, overseas supplier development, and cross-border procurement operations. Consults with and advises company personnel on planning, negotiating, and acquiring materials, equipment, supplies, and services from international and domestic markets. Collaborates closely with all divisions to reduce total landed costs, enhance product quality, strengthen global supplier relationships, ensure compliance with international trade regulations, and minimize waste across the supply chain.

Knowledge Base :

• Understand metal-based manufacturing environments
• Demonstrate mechanical and manufacturing fluency
• Be comfortable walking factory floors domestically and globally
• Evaluate supplier operations with confidence and credibility
• Balance cost, quality, delivery, and partnership ERP capability is important.
• Manufacturing intelligence is essential.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead domestic and international purchasing operations for the company and its forges, foundries, smelters sourcing materials and services to meet quality standards, delivery schedules, and cost objectives.
• Develop and maintain global supplier relationships, including identifying new sources, evaluating supplier performance, conducting audits, and coordinating with other divisions to drive cost savings, improve quality, and reduce waste.
• Oversee Purchasing department operations by selecting, training, developing, and supervising staff; delegating assignments; establishing procedures; and monitoring performance.
• Approve purchase requisitions and orders, review minimum order quantities, and manage inventory reconciliation, including vendor-managed inventories and off-site materials.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, sales, and other departments to support production and business needs while ensuring compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and small business program requirements.
• Utilize ERP systems and reporting tools to improve workflows, track forecasts, and support strategic supply planning.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed to audit and visit key suppliers, strengthen relationships, and ensure quality and compliance.

What the Ideal Candidate Brings:

• Proven experience in purchasing leadership within industrial manufacturing environments. Experience with casting components.
• International supplier exposure
• Ability to interpret blueprints and material specifications
• Strong knowledge of purchasing principles, practices, and procedures
• Leadership experience supervising and developing purchasing teams
• Experience evaluating supplier performance and driving improvement
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
• Knowledge and experience in multi-cultural business operations

Essentials:

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Business), equivalent experience applicable
• Thorough knowledge of purchasing principles, practices, and procedures.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with vendors, departmental representatives, and all levels of management inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to interpret blueprints and material specifications, evaluate products and requirements, and analyze and resolve purchasing and receiving issues.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including selecting, training, supervising, and evaluating employees, as well as organizing, coordinating, and scheduling work.
• Strong analytical and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of database systems.
• Fully on-site leadership presence (6:00–6:30 AM)
• International and domestic supplier travel required
• High accountability, high ownership
• Perform other duties as needed to meet the needs of the business.

(This is a truncated job description and may be expanded or revised.)

Compensation: The projected annual salary is estimated at $125,000 - $140,000 per year, based on years of demonstrated experience, representing the span of the range. The actual compensation will be formulated by the client and may vary based on factors that include, but are not limited to, the position offered, work experience, education, training, and commensurate experience. If your salary expectations are different, please let us know your ideal compensation range. Equal

Opportunity Employer: Talent Xpanse and our clients are equal opportunity employers and are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.