About the Company

All the relevant skills, qualifications and experience that a successful applicant will need are listed in the following description. Crane 1 is a privately-held leading provider of overhead cranes, hoists, and related services that supports customers across construction, heavy industrial, manufacturing and other sectors. The company is progressive, in growth-mode, and benefited by a blended sales / service / operations approach that enables full life cycle support with both products and its customers. This includes the full gamut of safety inspections and assessments, PM programs, emergency response, repair/upgrade/modernization, sales of both parts & equipment + service, and design/engineering solutions and consultation. This overall strategy has enabled Crane 1 to become a leading provider of overhead crane MRO services and equipment that maximize safety, diminish liability, reduce maintenance costs, and increase overall productivity. Additionally, Crane 1 operates a leading e-commerce site branded Hoist Central, providing customers with the highest level of service on hard-to-find controls and parts. Headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, the company operates across 17 states. Since 2021, Crane 1 has been partnered with PE leader L Squared Capital, helping to provide guidance and growth support. About the Role Crane 1 is seeking an experienced and fast-starting Director of Procurement to be responsible for leading the procurement strategy, managing supplier relationships, inventory management and optimizing the purchasing processes to support Crane 1 Services operational and financial objectives. This role will oversee sourcing, negotiating contracts, and ensuring cost-effective procurement of equipment, parts, and services while maintaining quality and reliability. The ideal candidate will have a blend of experience that enables them to build-out the Procurement department and team, and then demonstrate success. Reporting directly to the COO, this is a demanding, 'hands-on', entrepreneurial position that requires a person with the ability to prioritize and complete a wide variety of management, operational, and sales-oriented activities - including being responsible for inventory, buyers, and purchasing. Having a passion for providing top-notch customer service to our customers is a must for this role, as Crane 1 operates in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. Specifically, Crane 1 is seeking a leader who has built a Procurement function previously - including: Establishing a central procurement group with SLAs and workflows. Leading development and ownership of the Procure to Pay process for the organization. Creation of KPIs and strategy for managing continuous improvement. Driving cost savings initiatives. Inventory management across a distributed organization. Crane 1 has partnered with HHS Talent Solutions for the fulfillment of this role. Responsibilities Strategic Procurement & Supplier Management Develop and implement a comprehensive purchasing strategy aligned with company goals. Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to ensure the best quality, pricing, and service. Negotiate contracts and agreements with key suppliers to secure favorable terms. Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and supplier performance. Operational Procurement Oversee procurement of cranes, hoists, parts, and maintenance-related materials. Ensure procurement activities align with operational needs and project timelines. Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with operations to optimize stock management. Standardize purchasing processes to improve efficiency and cost control. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure all purchases comply with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies. Monitor and mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions, pricing fluctuations, and vendor reliability. Stay up to date with market trends, material costs, and industry best practices. Team Leadership & Collaboration Lead and mentor the procurement team, fostering a culture of accountability and performance. Collaborate with internal departments (Operations, Finance, Engineering) to ensure procurement supports business needs. Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders to enhance procurement effectiveness. Qualifications A Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA preferred). 10+ years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or procurement management, preferably in industrial services, manufacturing, or construction. Required Skills Strategic sourcing and vendor management & strong negotiation and contract management skills. Experience with ERP and procurement software, and excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership abilities. Strong communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels, and proven ability to develop an overarching program of vendor management, process improvement and cost optimization. Preferred Skills Experience in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. Pay range 135-165K Base Salary (DoE), Incentive Equal Opportunity Statement Crane 1 is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and offers a competitive compensation package that includes base salary & incentive commensurate with experience, and quality benefits for all employees. Crane 1 is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity and inclusivity.