About APPLIED Adhesives:
We have you covered.
Nobody knows more about adhesives than APPLIED Adhesives. We are passionate about solving complex challenges with innovative adhesive products and offerings. APPLIED is the industry leader in helping manage costs, reduce waste, and make entire operations run more efficiently. From adhesives, equipment, parts, and service, we have you covered.
With world-class adhesive products, equipment, and parts along with visionary leadership, unparalleled expertise, and an agile, responsive service team, we’re not happy simply staying put. Every day, we leverage our technical expertise and passion for problem solving for the benefit of our customers and the future of our company.
We have countless victories that we could celebrate, but we’re more interested in looking forward than back. We’ve collected the talent and skills to continue innovating new product solutions and applications in emerging industries. We have the fortitude to not only accept challenges, but to seek them out. And we have the confidence and determination to become the most sought-after adhesive solutions partner.
Come join us!
The Role:
We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Lead whose primary focus will be centered around people development and process improvement. This person will also be responsible for overseeing the procurement of new products, international sourcing, maintaining inventory levels in alignment with company goals, establishing long term successful vendor relationships, minimizing costs while maximizing quality and delivery times.
They will use metrics and analytics to determine areas of weakness and strengths in purchasing, make recommendations for improvements and follow through on implementation.
This is a remote role, but only candidates who can work EST. and CST. hours will be considered. The role requires quarterly travel for team collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of 3-4 Buyers, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve issues, support business objectives, and drive process improvements.
- Develop and execute inventory strategies throughout the product lifecycle to optimize service levels and working capital.
- Manage supplier relationships and performance, including quality, compliance, service, cost, and inventory metrics.
- Utilize forecasting and planning tools, including GAINS, to maintain appropriate inventory levels and minimize overstock and stockouts.
- Lead sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and cost-reduction opportunities.
- Drive freight optimization and other supply chain efficiency initiatives.
- Oversee the resolution of supplier returns, product quality concerns, and purchasing discrepancies.
- Support new product sourcing, supplier onboarding, and product setup activities.
- Lead strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance purchasing and inventory performance.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and the Applied Quality Management System supporting ISO 9001:2015 certification.
- Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, and product master data while supporting invoice and receiving discrepancy resolution as needed.
- Serve as an escalation point and subject matter expert for purchasing, inventory, and supplier-related matters.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
You Are Ideal for This Role If You:
- Work collaboratively with others and contribute to a positive, respectful team environment.
- Take initiative, follow through on commitments, and consistently deliver results.
- Build trust through reliability, transparency, and a strong sense of responsibility.
- Ask questions, seek new perspectives, and continuously look for better ways to work.
- Balance customer success with business success and are energized by helping the organization grow.
Physical Requirements:
The physical and environmental requirements listed below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
- Observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
- Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a keyboard, mouse, telephone.
- Walk through manufacturing, warehouse, and production areas.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or state‑recognized equivalent (such as a GED).
- 5+ years of purchasing experience.
- 1+ years of experience leading, coaching, or managing a team in a purchasing, supply chain, or related environment.
- Be able to work EST. or CST. hours.
- Located in the United States.
- Valid driver’s license. Must be able to travel once a quarter for up to a week.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
Other Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree or higher preferred.
- Passion for solving problems.
- Thorough knowledge of inventory and supply chain management.
- Well organized, process and data driven, logical, and resolution oriented.
- Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to build and manage relationships and demonstrate resilience and ability to handle difficult situations with a positive “can do” attitude.
- Strong computer skills with ability to learn new systems quickly and efficiently, proficient keyboard abilities, MS Office, Windows O/S, and MRP/ERP systems.
- Strong leadership skills and enjoy coaching, mentoring, and developing others.
Why Work for Us:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
- 401k Match
- Flexible and Team-Oriented work environment
- Generous PTO policy
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Career and talent development opportunities as well as opportunities for personal growth
Leading with Integrity, Collaboration, and Passion
In today’s dynamic business landscape, these core values serve as the compass guiding our actions and decisions. Whether it’s demonstrating leadership, fostering collaboration, igniting passion, upholding integrity, or maintaining a relentless customer focus, these principles shape our mission, vison and values, and drive our commitment to excellence.
Our Core Values:
Team-Oriented
We win together! We treat our teammates with respect.
Get Things Done
We focus on results, not excuses. We consistently go above and beyond.
Accountable
When we make a commitment, we keep it. Trust is earned.
Curious
Curiosity is the spark for a solution. We are growth-minded and eager to learn.
Driven to Win
A highly satisfied customer is our ultimate win. Profitable growth = winning.
Interview Expectations:
To ensure a fair and consistent hiring process, AI-generated or AI-assisted interview responses are not permitted. Candidates who use AI tools during interviews will not be considered for employment.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation:
Compensation for roles at APPLIED varies based on a wide variety of factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education, work location, and internal equity. As required by applicable law, APPLIED provides a reasonable compensation range for positions that may be filled in multiple locations.
The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $80,000 - $105,000 annually.
This range represents a good-faith estimate of the compensation expected for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation offered may vary based on the factors noted above. In addition, we are invested in every employee’s total well-being and offer a substantial and comprehensive total rewards package.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Typical work is in a climate-controlled environment requiring regular use of computer and electronic equipment.
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.