Centurion Cost Jobs in Usa

LHH is partnering with a manufacturing client to identify a Buyer who can take full ownership of supplier relationships and commodity sourcing within a production-driven environment. This is a hands-on role focused on cost control, supplier performance, and ensuring material availability to support ongoing operations.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage a portfolio of 20–40 domestic and international suppliers across assigned commodities
• Source and procure components required for manufacturing operations
• Lead supplier negotiations, pricing strategies, and cost reduction initiatives
• Analyze raw material, labor, and manufacturing cost structures to drive informed decisions
• Review and interpret blueprints, bills of materials, and engineering change documentation
• Process RFQs, evaluate supplier capabilities, and onboard new vendors
• Drive supplier performance across cost, quality, and delivery metrics
• Partner with engineering, quality, finance, and operations teams
• Lead Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), including cost impact analysis
• Support value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives
• Resolve invoice discrepancies in coordination with finance

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree with experience in purchasing within a manufacturing environment (or related field)
• Experience managing suppliers and commodity portfolios in a production setting
• Strong pricing analysis and negotiation skills
• Knowledge of import/export processes and global sourcing
• Understanding of raw material pricing, labor rates, and manufacturing cost drivers
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, bills of materials, and engineering documentation
• Experience working with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Preferred

• CPIM or APICS certification
• Experience in heavy equipment or industrial manufacturing environments
• Exposure to value engineering or cost reduction initiatives

Compensation & Benefits

• $65,000 – $85,000 base salary + performance bonus
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• FSA & HSA options
• Life & AD&D insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) with company match
• 2 weeks PTO + 8 paid holidays

Additional Details

• Onsite role in Lexington, KY
• Approximately 5% travel to supplier locations
• Exposure to both office and manufacturing environments

If you’re a Buyer who can operate independently, manage supplier complexity, and drive measurable cost and performance improvements, this is a strong opportunity to step into a high-visibility role within a stable manufacturing operation.

Position Profile:

The Manager, Art Direction & Product Design works closely with the Director, Product Design to support art direction and feedback and manage the Product Design team. The team is accountable for the developing products and packaging for the CURiO Brand portfolio that are innovative, beautiful, safe, and sellable to end consumers. This position provides expertise and guidance to the Product Design team in the creation and sourcing of custom vessels (glass, metal, and ceramic), and secondary packaging (paper boxes, tubes, bags, labels, hangtags). The position collaborates across CURiO’s departments, working closely with: Project Management, Brand, R&D, Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Marketing. The role has direct reports that may consist of any of the following positions: Sr. Product Designer, Product Designer, or other similarly assigned roles.

***This role is for candidates who reside within 60 miles of our corporate office on 9th Street SE in Minneapolis***

Work Responsibilities:

Design & Concept: Guides the Product Design team in translating creative requirements from concept through execution using a unique combination of creative and analytical talents.

• Helps lead strategic thinking of CURiO creative work, ensuring design vision aligns with business objectives, brand aesthetics and costing goals.
• Assigns and manages team workflow of projects, monitoring overall capacity of product designers.
• Helps to identify and implement process improvement areas that result in simplified steps and gain efficiencies for the company.
• Organizes and condenses design feedback into digestible, actionable tasks for product designers.
• Leads design meetings as needed throughout the development process.
• Participates in the approval of prototype samples for style details, construction, safety, and usability.
• Communicates with domestic and international vendors to achieve design intent, construction, safety, and usability goals. Contributes problem-solving ideas throughout the development process.
• Mentors and coaches on varying topics such as: design approach, vendor communication, file building and general best practices.
• Collaborates with Director, Product Design, Product Design team and Brand to research and concept new product ideas.
• Develops mood boards for new product collections and product formats.
• Reviews creative presentations and presents concepts to internal brand team and external customers.
• Demonstrates systematic approach in designs for varying structures, materials, sizes and product types. Brand steward, keen eye for detail, refines designs across selected product assortment.
• Works closely with external vendors, helping to build strong partnerships.
• Organizes and labels incoming samples and approved counters.
• Attends weekly Design & Innovation status meetings and other meetings as needed.
• Works closely with Brand, Project Management, Engineering, R&D, Purchasing, Quality, Production, Finance, and Sales to ensure development is on track to meet project goals, design intent and timeline.
• Works closely with designers and print vendors as needed to develop structures, reviews proofs for color/ detail accuracy and attends press checks as needed. Color advocate for the brand standards.
• Works closely with Project Management team and Cost Analyst on costing exercises. Contributes to product cost discussions, providing insights and ideas on how to cost engineer new developments to meet cost objectives.
• Assists and supports design team in daily tasks as needed such as: mock-ups, structure development, file construction, quotes, 3D renderings, etc.

Supervisory: Responsible for providing leadership to the team and ensuring that the team has the talent, resources, and readiness to meet team goals as well as ensuring maximum productivity and performance. Models CURiO Cornerstones and uses cornerstones framework in decision making.

• Effectively manage a multi-locational team under a fast pace and constantly changing circumstances.
• Hires, trains and develops team, ensuring that each employee has a clear and thorough understanding of their role and responsibilities.
• Fosters a collaborative creative environment.
• Effectively orient new hires to CURiO culture, structure and specific role and responsibilities, ensuring a positive and productive employee experience.
• Utilize the company’s performance management program as designed to align individual performance to overall performance objectives. Provide ongoing performance feedback. Identify and work with manager and HR to take appropriate action for non-performance.
• Ensure all CURiO communication is disseminated to the team in a positive and timely manner.
• Administer all internal policies and procedures in accordance with company, human resources, budgetary, and finance guidelines. Ensure accuracy of staff data records.

General Responsibilities:

• Supports CURiO Cornerstones and strives for individual leadership by using cornerstone behaviors in the workplace and in daily decision making.
• Follows all policies and procedures of the company. Works cooperatively with all departments, maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that promotes cooperation with co-workers, supervisors, and managers.
• Actively seek individual development through taking advantage of opportunities for skill enhancement.
• Keep up to date with the latest best practices, trends, concepts, and regulations in the specific job area.
• Manage time effectively, meet personal goals and work effectively with other members of the team to meet CURiO goals.
• Follows all safety guidelines and polices. Makes supervisor/manager immediately aware of any observed safety issue. Keeps work area clean, safe, and organized.

Position requires extended work hours as necessary to meet seasonal deadlines. Performs other work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic and design or equivalent work experience
• Four years’ experience in product and packaging development
• Intermediate level supervisory role

Computer and/or software qualifications:

• Intermediate level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Outlook
• Advanced level of proficiency in design software; Adobe CS (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
• 3D printer experience preferred

Core Competencies:

• Ability to work collaboratively with team members and across multiple departments, managing a large volume of projects simultaneously
• Knowledge of design techniques, ability to think creatively, with an eye for color and design
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail, well organized, and systematic in working
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Excellent presentation and writing skills
• Excellent initiative and follow-through
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with business partners
• Tolerance for moderate stress
• Self-Driven, able to work independently

Travel Requirement: Less 5%

Hybrid Working Environment and Physical Demands:

• General office or home office environment: Works at a desk in a well-lit, air-conditioned cubicle/office/home office, with moderate noise levels.
• Ability to sit for hours at a time, viewing computer monitor on a constant basis. Some walking and standing relative to interaction with other personnel.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move items weighing 10 – 15 pounds.
• When in a facility, occasional exposure to dusty and fragrant conditions, varying temperature levels, work near moving mechanical parts, and high noise environments is possible.
• Requires in-office visits weekly for such tasks as: sample unpacking/ review, organization needs, shipping, in-person meetings.

Health & Welfare Benefits:

Eligibility begins on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment unless noted otherwise:

• Medical, Dental, Disability Insurance (cost shared)
• Life/ AD&D Insurance (employer paid)
• Additional voluntary benefit offerings (employee paid): Vision, Accident, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Voluntary Term Life Insurance, AD&D
• 401(k) – After 6 months of employment on next quarterly entry date

** Note: This job description does not restrict CURiO’s right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. It does not alter the "at will" employment relationship between the company and the employee.

The Vendor Procurement & Carrier Strategy Manager is responsible for leading the sourcing, procurement, onboarding, performance management, and compliance oversight of third-party vendors and transportation carriers supporting Safeway Logistics and ECW operations. This role ensures the organization maintains a reliable, compliant, and cost-effective carrier and vendor network while mitigating operational, financial, legal, and regulatory risks.

The position plays a strategic role in capacity planning, carrier procurement strategy, cost management, and vendor compliance while partnering closely with Operations, Sales, Customer Solutions, Safety, Legal, and Finance teams to support scalable logistics solutions and customer growth.

Key Responsibilities

Vendor Procurement & Management

• Lead the sourcing, evaluation, and selection of transportation, warehousing, and logistics-related vendors and carriers.
• Negotiate vendor and carrier contracts including pricing structures, service level agreements (SLAs), fuel programs, accessorial schedules, and renewal terms.
• Maintain a centralized vendor and carrier database including contracts, certifications, insurance documentation, compliance records, and performance data.
• Monitor vendor and carrier performance against KPIs and SLAs, addressing deficiencies and implementing corrective actions.
• Establish vendor and carrier scorecards to evaluate cost efficiency, service reliability, safety performance, on-time delivery, and claims ratios.
• Conduct quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with key strategic vendors and carriers to drive performance improvements and operational alignment.

Carrier Procurement & Network Strategy

• Develop and execute a carrier procurement strategy to ensure sufficient transportation capacity for all customer freight, including peak season and surge volume requirements.
• Build and maintain a diverse, reliable carrier network across transportation modes including FTL, LTL, and final mile.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new carriers and brokers to support expanding customer needs while ensuring compliance and service expectations.
• Conduct market analysis on lane rates, capacity trends, and carrier performance to optimize transportation cost and service levels.
• Lead annual and quarterly RFP/RFQ bid events for major transportation lanes and customer programs.
• Develop lane pricing strategies to support competitive customer quotes while protecting company margins.
• Maintain a centralized rate repository for all contracted carriers to ensure accurate and accessible pricing for internal teams.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all vendors and carriers comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations including DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and insurance requirements.
• Oversee vendor and carrier onboarding processes including background checks, insurance verification, licensing, and safety documentation.
• Implement a carrier risk management model to identify high-risk vendors or carriers and enforce remediation plans or removal when necessary.
• Partner with Safety and Legal teams to manage claims, incident investigations, and carrier corrective action plans.
• Support regulatory audits, inspections, and compliance reviews related to third-party vendors and carriers.

Capacity Planning & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations and Customer Service teams to forecast freight demand and align carrier capacity accordingly.
• Work closely with Customer Solutions and Operations to match carriers with customer requirements including special handling, temperature-controlled shipments, high-value freight, and time-sensitive deliveries.
• Support Sales teams with carrier network insights during customer onboarding, pricing development, and logistics solution design.
• Lead weekly cross-functional reviews to evaluate capacity planning, carrier performance, and cost-to-serve analysis.
• Develop and track KPIs for carrier and vendor performance including:
• On-time pickup and delivery
• Tender acceptance rates
• Claims frequency
• Safety performance
• Cost efficiency

Reporting & Technology Enablement

• Provide leadership with regular reporting on vendor compliance, carrier performance, cost trends, and risk exposure.
• Implement and leverage logistics technology tools including TMS platforms, carrier portals, and analytics dashboards to improve procurement visibility and decision-making.
• Maintain accurate reporting for leadership to support strategic planning and operational improvements.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in vendor procurement, carrier procurement, supply chain management, or logistics operations
• Strong knowledge of transportation compliance and regulatory requirements
• Proven experience managing carrier/vendor contracts, procurement processes, and risk mitigation strategies
• Experience negotiating transportation pricing, carrier agreements, and service contracts
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Experience working cross-functionally with operations, sales, and compliance teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in 3PL, transportation management, or warehousing environments
• Familiarity with DOT, FMCSA, safety compliance, and carrier qualification programs
• Experience leading transportation procurement events (RFP/RFQ)
• Strong collaboration and cross-functional leadership capabilities
• Experience using TMS systems, logistics analytics tools, or procurement platforms

About the Role

As a Product Designer, you are passionate creative, responsible for developing products and packaging for CURiO Brands that are innovative, beautiful, safe, and sellable to end consumers. You have a strong artist hand and are confident in illustration, painting, and other traditional mediums. You’ll leverage your unique talents, such as illustration and surface design, to create and source custom vessels (glass, metal, and ceramic) and secondary packaging (paper boxes, tubes, bags, labels, hangtags), through the opportunity to work on CURiO’s exciting brands Capri Blue, Thymes, and Otherland.

***This role is for candidates who reside within 60 miles of our office in Minneapolis, MN***

What You’ll Do

Design & Concept:

• Collaborate with Product Design Manager and team, along with Brand to research and concept new product ideas.
• Develop mood boards for new product collections and product formats.
• Push creative boundaries to drive great design and strong innovation.
• Proactively research market trends and innovation opportunities.
• Work with vendors to source and develop new techniques and manufacturing capabilities.
• Prepare creative presentations and present concepts to internal brand team and external customers.
• Demonstrate systematic approach in designs for varying structures, materials, sizes and product types.
• Brand steward, keen eye for detail, refine designs across selected product assortment.
• Create 3D renderings, recommend dimensions, and determine materials for product and packaging.
• Communicate with domestic and international vendors to achieve design intent, construction, safety, and usability goals. Contribute problem-solving ideas throughout the development process.
• Participate in the approval of prototype samples for style details, construction, safety, and usability. Organize and label incoming samples and approved counters.
• Attend weekly Design & Innovation status meetings and other meetings as needed.
• Work closely with Brand, Project Management, Engineering, R&D, Purchasing, Quality, Production, Finance, and Sales to ensure development is on track to meet project goals, design intent and timeline.
• Develop constructive and collaborative working relationships with vendors, colleagues, and others, maintaining them over time to produce successful results for the design team.
• Request price quotes and work with vendors to ensure target costs are achieved.
• Work closely with Project Management team and Cost Analyst on costing exercises. Contribute to product cost discussions, providing insights and ideas on how to cost engineer new developments to meet cost objectives.
• Work with the production artist for execution of final printable files.
• Work closely with external vendors, helping to build strong partnerships.
• Work closely with print vendors to develop structures, reviews proofs for color/ detail accuracy and attend press checks as needed. Color advocate for the brand standards.
• Cut and mock-up packaging/ product samples to support marketing team with photoshoot and sample needs.
• Provide design specifics and photos of development samples for specification documents.

As a Curio Team Member

• You exemplify CURiO Cornerstones and strive for personal leadership in your role.
• You collaborate across teams and maintain a positive, respectful, and cooperative workplace environment.
• You take ownership of your professional development by seeking learning opportunities and staying current in your field.
• You manage your time effectively and work with others to contribute to team and company goals.
• You follow all safety guidelines, report concerns promptly, and maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace.
• You understand that success in your role could include occasional extended work hours as necessary to meet seasonal deadlines and that periodically, you may be asked to perform other duties not included in your role description.

What You Bring

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts degree; emphasis in graphic or industrial design or equivalent work experience
• Two years’ experience in product or packaging development or design
• Brings passion for the creative work and brand storytelling
• Strong knowledge of design techniques, ability to think creatively, with an eye for color and design
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively with team members and across multiple departments, managing a large volume of projects simultaneously
• Proficient in design software; Adobe CS (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred:

• Surface design and illustration skills
• 3D printer experience

Core Competencies:

• Committed to development strong ideas and excellent execution
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail, well organized, and systematic in working
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to present concepts and ideas with exceptional presentation and writing skills
• Excellent initiative and follow-through
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with business partners
• Self-Driven, energetic, able to work independently
• Ability to maintain and protect company proprietary information.

Additional Information

• Travel Requirement: less than 5%
• Work Environment: General office or home office environment
• Physical Requirements:
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move items weighing 10 – 15 pounds.
• When in a facility, occasional exposure to dusty and fragrant conditions

Why Join CURiO

At CURiO, we craft beautiful experiences for the home and body through our fragrance and personal care brands. We’re committed to creating a collaborative, inclusive workplace where talent can thrive and grow. You’ll be part of a passionate team driving meaningful work — with the agility of a growth company and the heart of a purpose-driven brand.

Health & Welfare Benefits

Eligibility begins on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment unless noted otherwise:

• Medical, Dental, Disability Insurance (cost shared)
• Life/ AD&D Insurance (employer paid)
• Additional voluntary benefit offerings (employee paid): Vision, Accident, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Voluntary Term Life Insurance, AD&D
• 401(k) – After 6 months of employment on next quarterly entry date

Equal Opportunity Employer

Curio is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees.

Position Summary:

Petrosmith, a trusted leader in the oilfield manufacturing and services industry, seeks an experienced and driven Senior Estimator to join our dynamic team. The Senior Estimator with support our Sales team in developing accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates for engineered production and process equipment used in upstream and midstream oil and gas applications as well as other liquid and gas processing applications. This position is critical in ensuring the technical and commercial viability of our proposals. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with pressure vessels and skidded, packaged systems, along with a solid understanding of engineering and manufacturing practices.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides accurate cost estimating services for incoming quotes regarding tanks, pressure vessels, piping, skids, controls, instrumentations and other custom-engineered equipment.
• Analyze RFQs, specifications, and drawings to determine scope, materials, labor, and timelines.
• Interpret and modify Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and Process Flow Diagrams (PFD).
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing to ensure accurate and feasible estimates. Interpret and incorporate customer requirements and industry standards into estimates.
• Utilize Infor Syteline ERP system for BOMs, costing, and quote tracking (preferred).
• Maintain estimation documentation and support continuous improvement in estimating processes. Maintain and update the parts library, ensuring component pricing and specifications are current.
• Review and apply technical knowledge of pressure vessels, piping, and modular equipment packages.
• Support the Sales team with technical input during customer discussions and negotiations
• Cost Analysis: Develop, assemble, and submit detailed and competitive bid packages in strict accordance with client requirements and deadlines. Analyze historical data, unit costs, and labor productivity to identify trends, refine estimating standards, and improve bid accuracy.
• Value Engineering: Participate in value engineering efforts, providing alternative cost solutions, methods, and approaches to optimize profitability and meet client needs.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of estimating tools, databases, and best practices to drive efficiency and accuracy.
• Mentorship and Training: Support the professional development of junior estimators and project staff through knowledge-sharing, coaching, and training initiatives.
• Reporting: Maintain detailed records of all estimate assumptions, pricing, and supporting data for internal review and audit purposes.
• Market Intelligence: Stay informed on industry trends, cost escalations, new technologies, and competitor capabilities to enhance the competitiveness of Petrosmith’s bids.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or Business Administration, or a related field preferred; extensive relevant experience will be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of 7 years’ progressive estimating experience in water filtration systems, oilfield surface product manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial construction environments, with a proven track record of successful project bids.
• Strong background in pressure vessels, ASME codes, and skidded/process systems.
• Working knowledge of ASME pressure vessel and piping codes.
• Proficiency with MS Office software and specifically MS Excel.
• Familiarity with Compress (pressure vessel design software) is highly desirable.
• Experience with water treatment equipment is a plus.
• Understanding of engineering drawings, P&IDs, and mechanical design standards.
• Proficiency in ERP systems; Infor Syteline experience is a plus.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple estimates under tight deadlines.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is essential.
• Ability to prioritize workload, work independently, and manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• High professional integrity, discretion, and ethical approach to confidential and proprietary information.
• Proficiency in advanced estimating and project management software (e.g., Sage Estimating, ProEst, PlanSwift, Bluebeam, MS Project, or similar tools).

Other Skills / Abilities:

Highly skilled professional with wide-ranging, advanced technical experience to resolve

Complex issues.

Competent to work at very high level in multiple knowledge areas of functions as an advanced

Contributor.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk;

Sit; use hands to finger, handle objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds waist high.

Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office.The noise level in the work environment will required hearing protection when in the manufacturing shops.Frequently employee may need to engage manufacturing workers in their work environment.

Supply Manager, Sourcing, Raw & Direct Materials, Manufacturing

Denver CO.

HYBRID

Competitive Salary [about $116K] Bonus, Full & Comprehensive Benefits, World Class Manufacturer

The Category Manager – Direct Materials is accountable for developing and executing sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, and supply continuity across s operations. This role leads complex, multi‑facility sourcing initiatives; drives supplier performance and capability development; and partners closely with R&D, Product Management, and operations teams to deliver measurable business results.

• Do you have experience sourcing raw or direct materials for manufacturing plants?

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Category Performance

• Develop and execute data‑driven sourcing strategies for resale product categories to improve cost structure, mitigate risk, and enhance supplier value.
• Build and maintain robust should‑cost models to guide negotiations, evaluate pricing proposals, and support long‑term cost optimization.
• Deliver year‑over‑year cost savings through structured negotiations, supplier workshops, competitive bidding, value engineering, and supply‑base rationalization.
• Monitor and report category performance using monthly scorecards, KPIs, and executive‑level updates.

Project & Supplier Management

• Lead multi‑functional project teams—spanning R&D, Product Management, Operations, Finance, and Quality—to qualify new suppliers, onboard new products, and support product innovation initiatives.
• Drive supplier development programs to enhance supplier capabilities, improve quality, and ensure long‑term alignment with business objectives.
• Manage contracts across the resale category, ensuring compliance, performance tracking, and timely renewals.
• Identify and implement process improvements that streamline supply chain operations and eliminate inefficiencies.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary commercial interface for internal stakeholders across facilities, ensuring seamless communication, alignment, and timely issue resolution.
• Partner with R&D and Product Managers to evaluate alternative materials, support new product development, and enable sustainable sourcing decisions.

Risk Management & Supply Continuity

• Ensure uninterrupted supply of resale products to facilities by proactively identifying risks, developing contingency plans, and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Conduct root‑cause analyses for supply disruptions and lead corrective‑action initiatives in partnership with suppliers and internal teams.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in supply chain or related experience, 3 of which should be experience sourcing with a major organization.
• CPSM certification desirable.

Technical Skills

• Demonstrated experience with should‑cost modeling and cost‑analysis techniques.
• Strong contract negotiation skills, working knowledge of contract development, contract law.
• Working knowledge of commodity management principles and e‑sourcing tools.
• Experience with SAP/similar ERP system; proficient: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and lead cross‑functional projects to successful outcomes.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including presenting to non‑technical audiences.
• Strong analytical, strategic‑thinking, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proactive, collaborative approach with openness to feedback, mentoring, and continuous improvement.

Skills and Certifications [note: bold skills and certification are required]

Experience managing $20M in spend

Contract experience. Sourcing direct materials for a manufacturing company

Candidate Details: 5+ to 7 years’ experience

Seniority Level – Associate/Management Experience Required - No

Minimum Education - Bachelor's Degree

Screening Questions:

Do you have experience sourcing raw or direct materials for manufacturing plants?

Ideal Candidate: Candidate must come from another manufacturing company where they are sourcing raw or direct materials.

CONTACT/SEND RESUME:

Bill Marek - CEO

4

WWW.VPRECRUITERS.COM

The Director of Direct Procurement is a newly created role, working for a specialized manufacturing and design company located in Madison Heights, of Detroit, Michigan. The company focuses on safety products used in healthcare and institutional environments.

The post holder will be site-based and responsible for developing and implementing the sourcing strategy for the U.S. side of the business. This is a greenfield role that requires a highly hands-on individual capable of reviewing the existing supplier base and transforming it into a scalable, fit-for-purpose supply network as the business enters a phase of significant growth.

The role involves procuring materials, components, and services that are directly used in the company’s products and core operations. The focus will be on driving cost efficiency, ensuring supply reliability, and building strong, long-term supplier partnerships that support operational and production objectives.

The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams including operations, engineering, finance, and logistics to ensure the timely availability of critical materials while continuously optimizing total cost of ownership.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Sourcing

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for direct materials and components.
• Identify and evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery performance, and sustainability.
• Conduct market analysis to identify opportunities for cost reduction and supply chain improvement.

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Lead negotiations for pricing, contracts, and long-term agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with company standards.

Procurement Operations

• Manage purchase orders and ensure timely procurement of direct materials.
• Coordinate with internal teams to forecast demand and maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Resolve supply chain issues and minimize disruptions.

Cost Optimization

• Identify cost-saving opportunities through supplier consolidation, contract negotiations, and process improvements.
• Implement total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis for sourcing decisions.

Risk Management

• Monitor supply chain risks and develop contingency plans.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, regulations, and ethical standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Ideally degree educated ideally in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in direct procurement or sourcing, preferably in manufacturing, logistics, or industrial sectors.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.

What my client Offers

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
• Opportunities for career development within the global procurement function
• Collaborative and international working environment

Company Description

Verdant Robotics' SharpShooter is an advanced precision application system that delivers unparalleled accuracy for weeding, thinning, and other essential crop applications. Designed to seamlessly integrate with existing agricultural practices, this technology ensures precise applications to crops and weeds of varying sizes without sacrificing efficiency. The SharpShooter enhances agricultural processes by reducing labor costs, minimizing chemical usage, and increasing crop yields, making it a trusted choice for leading specialty growers in the U.S., including conventional, organic, and no-till systems. Learn more at Description

We are hiring a hands-on Director of Supply Chain & Production to build and scale our end-to-end supply chain and manufacturing operations. This leader will own production execution—ensuring builds happen on schedule, materials arrive when needed, and customer and investor milestones are met without surprises.

You will drive disciplined production planning, enforce accountability across suppliers and internal teams, and remove blockers before they impact timelines. In a startup environment where resources are tight and priorities shift, you bring structure without slowing momentum. Execution matters here—meeting build schedules, delivering units on time, and scaling cleanly from prototype through volume production.

Our core technology empowers farmers to grow more profitable food. We use computer vision and artificial intelligence to understand every part of every plant at a massive scale -- and with automated robotics, we close the loop and act on that information in real-time. Together with our partners, we are building environmentally-friendly, sustainable, and highly productive farms.

We’re a technology company focused on delivering great customer service, an amazing product, and experience. We’re looking for can-do, roll up the sleeves Director strong on building culture.

Core Responsibilities

• Own the full supply chain lifecycle: sourcing, procurement, supplier development, planning, logistics, and cost control
• Lead production ramp from pilot builds to scalable manufacturing (internal and/or contract manufacturers)
• Own supplier quality and incoming inspection systems
• Define and execute contract manufacturing strategy
• Establish spare parts and field service supply architecture
• Partner with Finance to optimize working capital and inventory efficiency
• Lead make-vs-buy and capital equipment investment decisions
• Establish and manage production schedules aligned to company milestones + report out weekly to teams and Executive team; including Board of Directors.
• Negotiate and manage strategic supplier contracts (electronics, mechanical systems, long-lead components, capital equipment)
• Drive BOM cost reduction and margin improvement initiatives
• Implement production KPIs: throughput, yield, on-time delivery, inventory turns, and cost
• Identify supply risks early (capacity, geopolitical exposure, sole-source dependencies) and implement mitigation strategies
• Partner closely with Engineering on NPI, DFM, supplier qualification, and design-to-cost efforts
• Develop S&OP and demand planning processes appropriate for a scaling startup
• Stand up scalable systems (ERP/MRP, forecasting, reporting infrastructure)
• Recruit, develop, and lead a lean, high-performing supply chain and production team
• Develop operational processes for parts inventory, ordering, and supporting a dealer network.
• A focus on managing budget and forecast.

What Success Looks Like (First 12-18 Months)

• Production ramps cleanly to meet customer and board-level milestones
• Clear visibility into supply risk, cost structure, and capacity constraints; identify alternate solutions.
• Critical supplier contracts secured with favorable commercial and operational terms
• Improved production yield, cycle time, and on-time delivery
• Build processes to support a dealer network.
• A resilient supply base capable of supporting rapid growth
• A strong, accountable team in place that executes without constant oversight

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain management, operations, or a related field is required; an advanced degree is a plus.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in supply chain and/or production within EV, autonomy, robotics, automotive, or other complex hardware environments
• Proven experience scaling from NPI/prototype to volume manufacturing
• Demonstrated success negotiating multi-million-dollar supplier agreements
• Strong production execution background with a track record of delivering against aggressive timelines
• Experienced team builder who attracts, develops, and retains high-performing talent
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building systems from scratch
• Technical fluency to engage deeply with engineering and manufacturing teams
• Experience in a startup or VC-backed growth environment preferred
• Bias toward action and ownership; solves problems early and decisively
• Expertise in Production Planning and Manufacturing Operations.
• Proficiency in Supply Chain Management and inventory optimization techniques.
• Experience implementing process improvements, cost-reduction strategies, and maintaining quality standards in manufacturing.
• Experience in the agricultural technology sector or similar industries is preferred.

Salary Range: $185,000 - $225,000 base + Equity

Verdant reserves the ability to adjust the compensation range based on the final candidate's experience, skillset, and geography. In addition to on-target earnings, we offer equity grants, as every employee should have a stake in the company's growth. If you're above this compensation target, we encourage you to reach out and discuss the entire package and opportunity before deciding not to pursue this position.

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Verdant Robotics provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Construction Operations Coordinator – Commercial Specialty Concrete & Masonry

Location: Frederick, MD

Salary: $110,000–$120,000 per year

Are you an experienced construction professional looking for an opportunity to shape the future of a growing construction company? We’re seeking an Operations Coordinator with exceptional job-costing and commercial construction experience to join our dynamic team.

In particular, the individual will have strong project management experience and excellent understanding of estimating site work including concrete, masonry and general flat work construction. The successful candidate will manage a small team of estimators/project managers and the goals of these departments. They will also interact with cross functional departments (accounting, field production) to best assist job specific details (costs, budgets, billings, etc.).

Great opportunity to manage growing company objectives and have direct impact on success. If you like details and can easily multi-task typical construction activity, work efficiently with computer, enjoy challenges, and thrive on problem solving, we’d like to meet you.

Why Join Us?

Intown Restorations is a well-established commercial specialty concrete & masonry contractor with a reputation for integrity, high-quality work, and exceptional client service. As we continue to grow, this role offers the chance to evolve into a senior leadership position, directly influencing our bidding strategy and company growth.

What You’ll Do:

● Identify customer bid invitations best suited to our expertise and capabilities

● Ensure timely submission of bid opportunities including necessary follow-up with both estimating team and customer

● Manage all bid/proposal progress within company Tracking Report Form

● Manage all change orders and T&M work and document for accounting including entry into Tracking System

● Review and authorize additional work including signed tickets and change orders making sure that all documents are signed and approved

● Serve as liaison between Field Management and Office estimating/project management team

● Work closely with field project leads, coordinate any/all additional work to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed and documented

● Manage vendor/supplier relationships and assist accounting as needed regarding job costs verification

● Oversee procurement process (job materials, equipment, rentals, etc) between Office and Field personnel

● Once project starts, identify all vendor requirements/costs and make sure to manage field costs per job, per project, on a daily/weekly basis

● Manage all daily production and time sheets from field (daily)

● Manage and update work-in-progress (completed work) monthly billings (AIA, Procore, Textura, GC Pay, Trimble)

● Ensure timely monthly billings are completed per contract specifications

● Work with accounting and field mgmt to update WIP/billings/collections

● Conduct weekly meetings with management providing dashboard of project updates including WIP status, job costs vs. job budget analysis, Bid Tracking Awards/pending/lost opps/contracts not started updates, completion dates of current WIP and new job start date status

What We’re Looking For:

● 5+ years of construction management experience; concrete experience a major plus and ideally preferred

● Strong job-cost management and WIP reporting skills

● Proficiency with QuickBooks Online, Excel, AIA documents, project software

● Ability to read and interpret drawings

● Proactive problem-solver with strong decision-making and multi-tasking abilities

● Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, hands-on approach

What We Offer:

● Competitive Salary: $110,000–$120,000 per year

● Growth Opportunities: Work closely with the executive team and grow into a leadership role

● Paid Time Off: 7 paid holidays + 2 weeks vacation

Learn more about Intown Concrete

Intown is a full-service commercial concrete and masonry contractor serving the Mid-Atlantic marketplace specifically, District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Maryland locales. We serve General Contractors, Property Management Organizations, and Builders of mixed-use dwellings delivering structural, site-work, specialty concrete and masonry products and services.

Intown is not just “another contractor,” we believe the difference is being a valued and trusted trade partner with our customers, regardless of the size or scope of work. This philosophy is the foundation for Intown’s value proposition, creating high expectations for quality, customer service, and partnering with like-minded customers.

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Ready to Apply?

Send your resume and a cover letter highlighting your construction accounting experience. We're excited to learn how you can contribute to our growing team.