Supply Chain & Purchasing Director

Company Overview

Wolverine Advanced Materials specializes in producing high-performance elastomer-coated metals, crucial for automotive and industrial applications such as gaskets, brake noise insulators, and noise, vibration & harshness (NVH) damping solutions. With approximately 600 employees globally, the company operates manufacturing facilities in Virginia, Florida, Germany, and China, alongside sales and technical offices in Michigan, Germany, Japan, China, Brazil, and India. Wolverine Advanced Materials operates as part of Center Rock Capital, focusing on innovative material development and manufacturing.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Chief Operating Officer, this director leads the Purchasing and Estimating departments. The role involves managing sourcing operations for raw materials, prototypes, capital equipment, and supplies across global supply chains that include complex markets such as China, India, and Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide and enhance the performance of the Purchasing and Estimating teams.
• Negotiate and oversee supplier and vendor contracts, including terms, prices, service standards, and renewal or termination clauses, collaborating closely with Legal and Finance teams.
• Chair the Procurement Committee and evaluate supplier quality across all manufacturing sites.
• Monitor changes in tariffs, trade policies, and duties, including Temporary Importation Bond (TIB) programs, and update sourcing strategies appropriately.
• Manage purchasing activities internationally while addressing local regulatory, logistical, and geopolitical factors.
• Conduct market analyses aimed at achieving cost reductions and improving quality and delivery metrics.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on new product development initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent blend of education and experience.
• Proven success in negotiating and managing supplier contracts throughout their full lifecycle.
• Practical experience sourcing in volatile markets with good knowledge of tariffs, import/export duties, and TIB schemes.
• Direct involvement managing supplier relationships and purchasing in China, India, and/or Europe.
• Strong analytical capabilities paired with excellent communication skills, capable of engaging leadership, clients, and customers.
• Proficiency in standard business tools including spreadsheets and word processing software.

Preferred Attributes

• Innovative and solution-driven mindset toward complex sourcing challenges.
• Goal-oriented with a proven track record of achieving results in rapidly changing settings.
• Excellent listening skills and clear communication across all organizational levels.

Working Conditions

The position is predominantly office-based with occasional visits to production facilities.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is between $160,000 and $200,000 annually. The position also includes bonus opportunities and a competitive benefits package.

Additional Information

Wolverine Advanced Materials is recognized as an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity and inclusion.