Summary
The Purchasing & Logistics Manager is responsible for overseeing the company’s purchasing and logistics activities to support operational and business needs. This position manages supplier relationships, purchasing activities, domestic and international transportation, customs coordination, and related documentation.
The role works closely with internal departments, suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other external partners to support timely delivery, cost control, inventory availability, and compliance with applicable import/export requirements. The Purchasing & Logistics Manager also leads and supports the Purchasing and Logistics team and continuously identifies opportunities to improve departmental processes and efficiency.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain purchasing plans based on inventory requirements, lead times, forecasts, and operational needs.
- Monitor inventory levels, supplier lead times, purchasing requirements, and potential supply risks to support business continuity.
- Identify, select, and evaluate suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, service, and business requirements.
- Negotiate supplier pricing, commercial terms, lead times, and other purchasing conditions as appropriate.
- Manage purchase orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and resolution of quality, quantity, pricing, or delivery discrepancies.
- Coordinate domestic and international transportation, including U.S.–Mexico cross-border shipments.
- Manage relationships and day-to-day coordination with freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, suppliers, and other logistics service providers.
- Review shipping and customs documentation for completeness and accuracy, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and customs entry documentation.
- Coordinate USMCA qualification reviews with suppliers and relevant internal or external parties; obtain, review, and maintain certifications of origin and supporting documentation for eligible shipments.
- Work with customs brokers and other qualified advisers to support accurate HTS classifications, customs valuation, country-of-origin determinations, applicable duties, and other import/export requirements.
- Monitor relevant changes to customs, tariff, and trade requirements and coordinate with brokers, advisers, suppliers, and internal departments as necessary.
- Assist with the resolution of customs discrepancies, documentation corrections, inquiries, audits, and recordkeeping requirements.
- Monitor freight costs, transportation performance, and delivery timelines and identify opportunities to improve cost and service performance.
- Investigate and resolve transportation issues, including shipment delays, shortages, damages, discrepancies, and freight claims.
- Develop, maintain, and improve purchasing and logistics procedures, documentation, and departmental processes.
- Support purchasing and logistics budget planning and monitor applicable departmental costs.
- Lead, train, and support Purchasing and Logistics team members and promote accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with Sales, Finance, Operations, Quality, and other departments, as well as the Mexico team, to support purchasing and logistics requirements.
- Maintain accurate purchasing, logistics, supplier, and customs-related records in accordance with company procedures and applicable requirements.
- Support internal and external audits related to purchasing, logistics, customs, and applicable quality-system requirements.
- Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered.
- Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in purchasing, logistics, supply chain, or a related field, including experience with international transportation and supplier management.
- Previous experience leading, supervising, or coordinating the work of others preferred.
- Working knowledge of U.S. import/export procedures and customs clearance processes.
- Hands-on experience with USMCA rules of origin, certifications of origin, and supporting documentation strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of HTS classification, customs valuation, country of origin, tariff requirements, and related customs documentation.
- Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and other logistics service providers.
- U.S.–Mexico cross-border shipping experience strongly preferred.
- Manufacturing and/or automotive industry experience preferred.
- Experience working with ERP systems required; SAP experience preferred.
- Intermediate or advanced Microsoft Excel skills; familiarity with VBA is a plus.
- Knowledge of IATF 16949 and familiarity with APQP/PPAP preferred.
- Lean and/or Six Sigma experience or certification preferred.
- Familiarity with VAVE and OKR methodologies is a plus.
- Strong written and verbal English communication skills; Spanish language skills are a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to review detailed purchasing, transportation, and customs documentation for accuracy and completeness.
- Strong interpersonal and cross-functional communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with internal departments, suppliers, service providers, and international teams.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently while identifying issues and recommending appropriate solutions.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and escalate matters when appropriate.
- Ability to learn and adapt to changing business, operational, and regulatory requirements.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform the essential functions of an office-based position, with occasional access to operational or warehouse areas as necessary.
Work Environment
This position primarily operates in an office environment with occasional work in operational and/or warehouse areas. The position regularly interacts with internal departments, suppliers, logistics providers, customs brokers, and other external business partners.
Travel
Occasional domestic and/or international business travel may be required based on business needs.
Additional Duties
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be modified or assigned based on business needs.
KUS Americas Inc. is the pioneering and leading global designer and manufacturer of AdBlue/Diesel Emission Fluid level senders, diesel/fuel/water level senders, and gauge instrumentation. Our products are widely used in the agriculture, automotive, construction, marine, power, and industrial equipment industries.
See www.kus-usa.com for additional company information.
