Director of Purchasing

AWS / CES is looking for a Director of Purchasing ( MUST HAVE OEM EXPERIENCE )

Location : Guelph, ON, Canada (Preference for in-office, hybrid option available for discussion)

Salary : $150,000 - $190,000 + 15% Stepping Stool Bonus + 10% STAR Bonus

Travel Requirement : 25% Global Travel

Position Overview

We are actively seeking a Director of Purchasing with substantial global experience to oversee a team and manage procurement functions for key commodities.

This role requires a proven leader with a strong background in OEM automotive purchasing, particularly with raw materials, castings, forgings, and commodities.

With a primary focus on optimizing supply chain performance, supplier management, and cost reduction, the successful candidate will also have significant experience in training and team development.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead and shape our purchasing strategies across Asia, Europe, and North America.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
• Direct and oversee purchasing activities, aligning global sourcing strategies with company objectives.
• Manage a team, including 2-3 managers, commodity specialists, raw material specialists, and junior buyers, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Drive continuous improvements within purchasing processes, including policy and form updates.
• Supplier & Contract Management
• Establish and maintain global supplier relationships with a focus on strategic selection and onboarding.
• Oversee negotiation of contracts to secure optimal pricing and terms.
• Facilitate escalation calls to resolve supplier issues effectively.
• Cost Reduction & Efficiency
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and process improvements.
• Lead value analysis and engineering (VA / VE) activities with suppliers, ensuring cost-effective production processes.
• Collaborate with suppliers to drive down costs, reduce waste, and support new business and product launches.
• Training & Development
• Develop and deliver training for team members, enhancing skills and knowledge across procurement activities.
• Act as a mentor, guiding team members in supplier management, negotiation, and other key areas.
• Market & Industry Analysis
• Analyze purchase trends to identify opportunities for cost reduction and data-driven negotiations.
• Stay informed on industry trends, material indices, and global market fluctuations to guide purchasing strategies.
• Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure compliance with purchasing policies, supporting continuous improvement.
• Review and process claims against suppliers, ensuring contractual adherence.

Qualifications

• Education & Certification
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Economics, Material Management, or related field.
• SCMP, CPP, or other relevant certification preferred.
• Experience
• Minimum 10 years in a purchasing or procurement leadership role within an OEM automotive environment.
• Demonstrated experience in global procurement across Asia, Europe, and North America.
• In-depth knowledge of raw materials, castings, forgings, and commodities, with a proven track record of success in negotiation and supplier management.
• Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
• Strong ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a collaborative approach to working with suppliers and internal teams.
• Technical & Analytical Skills
• Comfortable with data analysis and trend interpretation to drive cost-effective decisions.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and communicate technical information clearly.

This position offers a competitive salary and bonus structure for the right candidate with extensive global experience in OEM automotive purchasing.

If you have a strategic mindset, a passion for cost reduction, and a proven record in procurement, we’d love to hear from you.

please send your resume to [email protected]