Job at a glance
About Us: BW Papersystems, part of the Barry-Wehmiller Group, builds capital equipment that transforms paper into products for consumers - every day, around the world. We offer innovative technologies, service and parts, and years of global experience in corrugating, finishing; slitting and packaging; stationery; bookbinding and security documents. Customers rely on our machines to produce and convert items such as corrugated boxes, folding cartons, passports, notebooks, copy paper, board, and coated and other specialty papers.
For more information, visit bwpapersystems.com. Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.
Job Description: The Procurement & Materials Leader is responsible for leading procurement activities, supplier performance, inventory strategy, and materials management processes to ensure the uninterrupted flow of externally sourced materials and components required to meet customer commitments and manufacturing schedules. This role provides leadership to the buyer team and is accountable for developing and sustaining procurement processes, supplier relationships, inventory strategies, and continuous improvement initiatives that support operational and business objectives.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a strong player/coach mentality. The successful candidate will balance strategic leadership and team development with active participation in purchasing, supplier management, shortage resolution, and supplier recovery efforts as business conditions require. This leader is expected to build team capability while remaining engaged in day-to-day operations to support customer commitments and business objectives.
Experience in a discrete manufacturing environment, preferably within an engineered-to-order business, is strongly preferred. The Procurement & Materials Leader champions Lean principles, visual management, root cause problem-solving, and continuous improvement while partnering cross-functionally with operations, engineering, planning, stores, finance, and sourcing to improve supplier performance, material availability, inventory effectiveness, and cost competitiveness.
Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Development Lead, coach, and develop a team of buyers while remaining actively engaged in procurement and supplier management activities as needed. Serve as a player/coach by supporting critical purchasing activities, supplier escalations, shortage recovery efforts, and expedited material requirements. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
Support team development through mentorship, knowledge sharing, cross-training, and hands-on coaching. Build organizational capability by reducing single points of failure within supplier, commodity, and purchasing responsibilities. Establish and maintain team operations through regular performance reviews, buyer development discussions, supplier reviews, and operational performance discussions. Lead by example through active participation in problem-solving and execution during periods of operational risk or increased workload.
Procurement & Supplier Management Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business objectives, customer commitments, and operational requirements. Establish and standardize procurement processes, supplier selection methods, negotiation practices, and supplier management frameworks. Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers while establishing clear performance expectations and accountability.
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