Job Description

First Supply, a fifth-generation family-owned company, has served the Upper Midwest for over 125 years. Guided by our Employee Value Proposition, Where Tradition Meets Innovation, we foster a workplace where people learn, grow, and contribute to a company that values its heritage while embracing progress. Our teams take pride in supporting customers and communities, creating meaningful work and rewarding careers every day.

The Director of Procurement is a strategic leader responsible for driving purchasing strategies that ensure product availability, optimize cost, and strengthen supplier performance across First Supply. This role partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to align procurement initiatives with business growth, leveraging AI, analytics, and standardized processes to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will lead and develop a high-performing team while delivering continuous improvement, supply continuity, and value creation across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and evolve procurement strategies that align with First Supply’s business objectives, growth plans, and supplier commitments, while effectively managing spend and ensuring adhere to budget targets
• Lead, coach, and develop the procurement team to drive accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Lead the use of AI, automation, and advanced analytics to improve demand forecasting, purchasing accuracy, supplier insights, and decision-making
• Establish and enforce standardized procurement processes, tools, and governance to improve consistency, scalability, and decision quality
• Partner with executive leadership and cross‑functional teams to align procurement priorities with sales, operations, and inventory strategies
• Provide strategic support and analysis for vendor negotiations, including cost modeling, market insights, risk assessment, and scenario planning
• Oversee supplier performance management, ensuring accountability to contractual obligations and company standards
• Drive cost optimization initiatives through improved processes, data transparency, and informed sourcing decisions
• Analyze market trends and conditions to anticipate supply chain issues and mitigate risks
• Utilize data analytics and performance metrics to drive procurement decisions and measure success
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, industry standards, and company policies
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to address potential disruptions in the supply chain
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, contracts, and supplier performance
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency and effectiveness
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and new technologies to drive innovation within the procurement function
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement team
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in procurement, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinker with a proven track record of developing and executing successful procurement strategies
• In-depth knowledge of supply chain management, procurement processes, and supplier relationship management
• Proficient in procurement systems and Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel expertise
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

About First Supply

First Supply® is a leading main channel wholesale distributor, providing industrial customers and building contractors with an extensive line of products and services. We offer a wide range of manufacturer product lines across the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, builder, waterworks, pump/well & septic, industrial, and municipal markets. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, First Supply has more than 700 employees across 29 operating facilities serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan.

First Supply also owns and operates 18 Kitchen & Bath Stores across five Midwestern states under the Gerhard's Kitchen, Bath & Lighting and KOHLER® Signature Store by First Supply brands. Gerhard's is the largest, most versatile kitchen and bath store in the Upper Midwest, offering a wide variety of styles—from contemporary to traditional—along with unmatched service. The KOHLER Signature Stores are immersive kitchen and bath showrooms that provide a distinguished experience where designers and homeowners can get hands-on with hundreds of exclusive KOHLER products.

With a 128-year legacy and a people-first culture, First Supply is committed to building a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow their careers. That commitment has earned national recognition, including a spot on USA Today’s 2024 Top Workplaces in the USA, as well as honors as a Woman-Led Top Workplace and an Industry Top Workplace for Distribution.

First Supply LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.