Agriculture Jobs in North Carolina with H-1B Sponsorship

Position Summary

The Procurement Manager is responsible for leading the company’s procurement strategy, materials planning, and supplier management to support production, R&D, and global operations. This role provides both strategic leadership and hands-on execution, ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and reliable sourcing of materials, components, and services.

The Procurement Manager will oversee demand planning, purchasing, and supplier performance while driving cost optimization, supply continuity, and risk mitigation. This position plays a critical role in aligning procurement activities with business objectives, improving supply chain efficiency, and building strong cross-functional partnerships across Engineering, Production, Finance, and Operations.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies that align with company growth, production demands, and financial targets
• Lead sourcing initiatives to reduce costs, improve lead times, and mitigate supply risk, including reducing reliance on single-source suppliers
• Establish and enforce procurement policies, processes, and best practices to improve scalability and operational efficiency
• Provide leadership, guidance, and prioritization across procurement activities; may manage or mentor junior team members as the function grows
• Oversee materials requirements planning (MRP) to ensure optimal inventory levels and uninterrupted production
• Analyze demand forecasts, production schedules, and inventory to establish reorder points and purchasing plans
• Ensure timely procurement and delivery of materials to meet production and project timelines
• Proactively identify and resolve supply chain disruptions, including expediting critical orders when necessary
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, vendors, and logistics partners
• Lead supplier negotiations, including pricing, contracts, and delivery terms to achieve competitive advantage
• Monitor supplier performance through scorecards, ensuring quality, cost, and delivery expectations are met
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new domestic and international suppliers to support business needs
• Conduct spending analysis and drive continuous cost reduction initiatives
• Partner with Finance and Accounts Payable to ensure accurate invoicing, payment processing, and cost tracking
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities related to procurement and supply chain spending
• Partner closely with Engineering and Production to align procurement with product development and manufacturing needs
• Communicate proactively with internal stakeholders to anticipate demand changes and avoid supply disruptions
• Support new product introductions by ensuring sourcing readiness and supplier capability
• Develop and implement SOPs to standardize procurement and supply chain processes
• Leverage ERP/MRP systems to improve visibility, reporting, and decision-making
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement operations

Key Competencies & Skills

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights and strategy
• Proven track record of supplier negotiation and cost savings
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with ERP/MRP systems
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience developing SOPs, supplier scorecards, and procurement processes
• Deep understanding of domestic and international sourcing, including custom fabricated parts
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex supply chain challenges

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years of procurement experience in a manufacturing environment
• 5+ years of experience sourcing custom fabricated parts
• 5+ years of experience supporting R&D or engineering-driven environments
• Proven experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing OEM/distributor relationships
• Experience with global sourcing and supplier development
• APICS or similar certification preferred

Working Conditions:

Work is performed inside a flex space building consisting of offices, open desk space, laboratory, machine shop, and a manufacturing floor. Level of noise is usually quiet in the office environment and temperature controlled. Noise levels are elevated in the warehouse space where temperatures can vary depending on the outside elements and weather.

All the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions for which reasonable accommodation will be made. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties and responsibilities or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.