JEFF KNIER
Purchasing Manager

JEFF KNIER
Purchasing Manager

GET TO KNOW

JEFF KNIER

Professional Summary

Experienced Purchasing Manager with over 10 years in procurement and supply chain leadership across the mechanical and fastenings industries.  Proven ability to develop and implement innovative purchasing systems, streamline processes, negotiate vendor contracts, and lead high-performing teams.  Skilled in cross-functional collaboration with tradespeople, sales professionals, and project managers to ensure efficient material flow and cost savings.

Professional Experience

Kraft Mechanical LLCPurchasing Manager
June 2025 – Present

  • Lead procurement operations for a mechanical services firm, managing vendor relations, material orders, and purchasing processes.
  • Apply deep industry knowledge and over 8 years of mechanical sector experience collaborating with plumbers, fitters, tinners, salesman, and PMs.
  • Ensure compliance with purchasing protocols while maintaining accuracy and efficiency across the supply chain.

Associated Mechanical Contractors Inc.
Purchasing Manager (2021 – June 2025)
Purchasing Assistant (2017 – 2021)

  • Spearheaded the development and rollout of a proprietary procurement application, streamlining purchase order processing and reducing order-to-delivery timelines.
  • Managed vendor selection, negotiation, and material logistics while ensuring on-time delivery and cost control.
  • As Purchasing Assistant, I handled daily procurement operations, monitored back orders, coordinated couriers, and established an effective returns process, increasing overall profit margins.

Action Fastenings Inc.General Manager / Purchasing Manager
2013 – 2016

  • Led purchasing and inventory operations while managing inside sales and key accounts.
  • Developed strategic procurement plans, implemented negotiation tactics, and forecasted demand to optimize inventory and profitability.
  • Built strong vendor relationships and directed business development efforts.

Education & Certifications

University of St. Thomas – Opus School of Business
Mini MBA & Project Management Certifications, 2009

University of Dayton
M.S. in Electro-Optical Engineering, 2003 – 2005

University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
B.S. in Physics & Mathematics, 1999 – 2003

Technical & Professional Skills

  • Procurement & Supply Chain Strategy
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Vendor Management
  • Process Improvement
  • Purchasing Systems (ERP, custom apps)
  • Inventory Control
  • Attention to Detail
  • Mechanical Industry Expertise

Interests

Golfing, kickball, boating, the Green Bay Packers, and spending time with family and friends.

Professional Summary

Experienced Purchasing Manager with over 10 years in procurement and supply chain leadership across the mechanical and fastenings industries.  Proven ability to develop and implement innovative purchasing systems, streamline processes, negotiate vendor contracts, and lead high-performing teams.  Skilled in cross-functional collaboration with tradespeople, sales professionals, and project managers to ensure efficient material flow and cost savings.

Professional Experience

Kraft Mechanical LLCPurchasing Manager
June 2025 – Present

  • Lead procurement operations for a mechanical services firm, managing vendor relations, material orders, and purchasing processes.
  • Apply deep industry knowledge and over 8 years of mechanical sector experience collaborating with plumbers, fitters, tinners, salesman, and PMs.
  • Ensure compliance with purchasing protocols while maintaining accuracy and efficiency across the supply chain.

Associated Mechanical Contractors Inc.
Purchasing Manager (2021 – June 2025)
Purchasing Assistant (2017 – 2021)

  • Spearheaded the development and rollout of a proprietary procurement application, streamlining purchase order processing and reducing order-to-delivery timelines.
  • Managed vendor selection, negotiation, and material logistics while ensuring on-time delivery and cost control.
  • As Purchasing Assistant, I handled daily procurement operations, monitored back orders, coordinated couriers, and established an effective returns process, increasing overall profit margins.

Action Fastenings Inc.General Manager / Purchasing Manager
2013 – 2016

  • Led purchasing and inventory operations while managing inside sales and key accounts.
  • Developed strategic procurement plans, implemented negotiation tactics, and forecasted demand to optimize inventory and profitability.
  • Built strong vendor relationships and directed business development efforts.

Education & Certifications

University of St. Thomas – Opus School of Business
Mini MBA & Project Management Certifications, 2009

University of Dayton
M.S. in Electro-Optical Engineering, 2003 – 2005

University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
B.S. in Physics & Mathematics, 1999 – 2003

Technical & Professional Skills

  • Procurement & Supply Chain Strategy
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Vendor Management
  • Process Improvement
  • Purchasing Systems (ERP, custom apps)
  • Inventory Control
  • Attention to Detail
  • Mechanical Industry Expertise

Interests

Golfing, kickball, boating, the Green Bay Packers, and spending time with family and friends.