Purchasing Manager in Eldridge, Iowa at LMT Defense

LMT Defense provides top tier products to the US Military, law enforcement and government agencies, in addition to international customers across the globe. Products include precision engineered modular rifle systems, grenade launchers, suppressors, and components. As it was in the very beginning, LMT’s mission is to exceed customers’ expectations of quality and value, and we have been doing so for over 40 years. LMT Defense needs your help as we continue to grow into the future. If you are looking for a position that is fast paced, with competitive benefits (PTO after 90 days of employment, health savings account, employer 401(k) match), flexible work schedules, and climate-controlled facility; LMT Defense is the perfect company for you. Below are the preferred skills, duties, and responsibilities you will have performing as our Purchasing Manager.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that support operational efficiency, cost control, and supplier performance. This role leads the purchasing team, manages high-level supplier negotiations, and ensures compliance with company policies and industry regulations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or a recognized professional certification such as CPM or CPSM.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement or supply chain roles, including at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Strong leadership, team development, and relationship management skills.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and procurement analytics.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and contract law.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, supplier development, and procurement within a manufacturing environment preferred.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with company goals and supply chain objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Purchasing team, including training and performance management.
• Oversee the full purchase order lifecycle to ensure accuracy, timeliness, cost-effectiveness, and compliance.
• Conduct market and supplier analysis to identify sourcing opportunities, manage costs, and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Finance, and other cross-functional teams to forecast demand and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, including the Gun Control Act (GCA), National Firearms Act (NFA), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement processes, systems, and supplier performance.
• Prepare and present procurement reports, metrics, and KPIs to senior leadership.
• Represent the company in supplier negotiations, contract discussions, and high-level supplier meetings.
• Conduct supplier background checks and due diligence to verify legal eligibility and compliance when purchasing firearm components.
• Maintain traceability of serialized parts from supplier through final product in accordance with applicable ATF requirements.
• Ensure complete and accurate documentation and recordkeeping for purchases, certifications, and compliance records.
• Ensure supplier agreements include appropriate confidentiality and intellectual property protection provisions.
• Develop contingency plans and maintain qualified backup suppliers to mitigate regulatory, supply chain, and material availability risks.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Supply Chain Manager or Executive Leadership.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) strategy aligned with organizational goals and long-term value creation.
• Lead supplier evaluation and selection processes, including pre-qualification, risk assessments, capability audits, and performance benchmarking.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities related to capacity, quality systems, certifications, financial stability, compliance, and overall supply chain risk.
• Establish and maintain supplier scorecards to monitor key performance metrics, including on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness, cost competitiveness, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with key suppliers to evaluate performance, address issues, and establish future goals.
• Develop strong supplier partnerships through joint development initiatives, cost-reduction programs, continuous improvement efforts, and long-term agreements.
• Manage supplier onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring required documentation, compliance checks, and ERP integrations are completed accurately and timely.
• Lead the resolution of supplier-related issues, including root cause analysis, Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), corrective action plans, and escalation management.
• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to identify sourcing opportunities and mitigate supply chain risks.

BENEFITS:

• PTO after 90 days of employment
• Bonus Time Off for good attendance
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Health Savings Account (HRA)
• Flex Savings Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) Account + employer matching
• And so much more!

*LMT Defense is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

LMT Defense is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. However, U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency or other appropriate status is required for certain positions, in accord with U.S. import & export regulations.

*Drug-Free Workplace

In accordance with policies and applicable state laws, LMT Defense provides for a drug-free workplace. Therefore, all applicants seeking employment with LMT will be subject to drug testing as a condition of employment.