Sr. Manager, Purchasing

LightEdge Solutions is developing the IT solutions that will propel businesses forward over the next 10 years. Using a combination of shared and private/dedicated platforms, LightEdge has been successful in offering businesses alternatives that streamline operations, improve reliability and reduce costs.

If you are passionate about creating real solutions that help businesses with cutting-edge technology, want to be challenged to think out of the box and be in a position where you can impact change on a daily basis, then LightEdge can offer you a dynamic corporate environment built on teamwork and personal responsibility.

The Senior Manager, Purchasing at LightEdge will lead the strategic direction and optimization of the company’s procurement function, ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and scalable acquisition of goods and services across all departments. This role builds upon foundational purchasing responsibilities by incorporating strategic planning, process innovation, and enterprise-level vendor relationship management. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in transforming purchasing operations, negotiating enterprise vendor agreements, and aligning procurement goals with broader business objectives. This role will also play a key leadership position in long-term planning, risk management, and supporting enterprise growth initiatives

Responsibilities:

Procurement Leadership: Manage and continuously improve the end-to-end procurement lifecycle, with a focus on scalability, compliance, and alignment with organizational strategy.

Vendor Relationship Management: Serve as the liaison for key vendors, leading contract negotiations, vendor scorecard development, and quarterly business reviewsto drive performance and innovation.

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Optimization: Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across business units, identifying and executing opportunities for long-term cost savings, risk mitigation, and supplier consolidation.

Inventory & Supply Chain Strategy: Oversee inventory control and logistics, with a focus on forecasting, capacity planning, and supply chain resiliency.

Financial Stewardship: Partner with Finance to manage budgets, perform total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses, and implement spend analytics dashboards that inform strategic decisions.

Process Transformation: Drive continuous improvement initiatives, implement best-in-class procurement technologies, and foster a culture of operational excellence through data-driven decision-making.

Policy Development & Compliance: Establish and enforce procurement policies and procedures that ensure regulatory compliance, mitigate risk, and promote ethical sourcing.

Cross-Functional Influence: Partner with executive stakeholders across departments—including IT, HR, Operations, Sales, and Legal—to proactively address business needs and support cross-functional projects.

Team Leadership & Development: Manage and mentor purchasing team members, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability, innovation, and results.

Executive Reporting: Deliver strategic reports and presentations to senior leadership, highlighting key procurement KPIs, vendor performance metrics, and operational impact.

Experience:

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or professional certification (e.g., CPSM, PMP) strongly preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.

Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to align procurement strategies with overall business goals, with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and growth.

Analytical Proficiency: Strong data analytics skills and familiarity with BI tools, procurement KPIs, and supplier risk analysis frameworks.

Technology Expertise: Experience implementing and optimizing enterprise procurement platforms; deep knowledge of Coupa or similar spend management systems is essential.

Vendor & Contract Negotiation: Proven ability to manage complex negotiations, supplier onboarding, and long-term vendor partnerships.

Leadership & Collaboration: Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative and proactive leadership style.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Additional Information

With over 20 years in business, LightEdge offers a full stack of best-in-class IT services delivering flexibility, security, and control. Our solutions include premier colocation across seven purpose-built data centers spanning Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, Omaha, NE, Austin, TX, and Raleigh, NC, industry-leading private Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and cloud platforms, and the top global security and compliance measures. Our owned and operated facilities, integrated DR solutions, and premium compliant cloud choices make up a true Hybrid Cloud Solution Center. LightEdge annually undergoes third-party audits for ISO 20000-1, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI-DSS 3.2, and SSAE 18 SOC 1 Type II, SOC 2 Type II and SOC 3.

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