About Drylock Technologies
Drylock Technologies, with its headquarters in Belgium, Europe, is an innovative player in the hygiene market specialized in the production of baby diapers, feminine care products, and incontinence products. With plants in Europe, Brazil and in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Reidsville, North Carolina, Drylock Technologies can rightfully be called a global player.
By working at Drylock, you become part of a highly innovative company that firmly believes that the future is green. You’ll work in an agile, dynamic environment, where initiative is highly valued and our people’s personal growth track matters.
Job description
Position Summary
The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading all purchasing activities at the Drylock Technologies Reidsville manufacturing site. This role ensures uninterrupted supply of raw materials, packaging, and indirect materials (including MRO) at the best total cost, while maintaining high standards for quality, service, and supplier reliability.
The Purchasing Manager plays a key role in supporting production continuity, cost control, new product introductions, and continuous improvement initiatives in a fast‑paced, high‑volume manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, coach, and develop the site purchasing team.
- Set clear priorities, performance expectations, and development plans for direct reports.
Procurement & Supply Management
- Ensure timely procurement of raw materials, packaging materials, and MRO items to support production schedules.
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels to balance service, cost, and working capital.
- Actively monitor material availability and proactively address supply risks or constraints.
- Partner with Production Planning, Operations, and Logistics to align purchasing plans with demand and capacity.
Supplier Management & Sourcing
- Lead supplier selection, qualification, and performance management in collaboration with R&D, Quality, and Operations.
- Drive competitive sourcing, RFQs, and contract negotiations to achieve cost, quality, and service targets.
- Develop and implement alternate sourcing strategies to mitigate supply risk and improve competitiveness.
- Manage supplier performance reviews and corrective action plans for underperforming suppliers.
Cost Control & Analysis
- Establish and maintain cost standards and forecasts for purchased materials.
- Analyze price trends, market indices, and supplier quotations to identify savings opportunities.
- Drive cost reduction, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support budget preparation and cost reviews related to purchasing activities.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Coordinate material transitions (phase‑in/phase‑out) and manage end‑of‑life inventory risks.
- Communicate material changes, specifications, availability, and risks clearly across departments.
Systems, Processes & Compliance
- Ensure accuracy and governance of vendor master data and purchase history in ERP systems (e.g., SAP).
- Develop, maintain, and improve purchasing procedures and standard work.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and Drylock policies.
- Support sustainability and compliance initiatives where applicable (materials, suppliers, certifications).
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Material availability / production line service level
- Purchase price variance (PPV) and cost savings
- Inventory levels and turns
- Supplier performance (quality, service, lead time)
- On‑time delivery of materials
- Successful execution of material transitions and NPI support
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field (required).
- 5+ years of progressive purchasing or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
- 2+ years of people‑management or team‑lead experience preferred.
- Experience in high‑volume, fast‑moving manufacturing strongly preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, production‑driven environment.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong ERP system knowledge (SAP preferred).
- Proficient in data analysis, cost modeling, and reporting (Excel).
Work Environment
- On‑site role at the Reidsville manufacturing facility.
- Regular interaction with production areas, suppliers, and cross‑functional teams.
