Weber Knapp Employee Spotlight: Kelly Workman, Purchasing Manager

Manufacturing depends on people whose work isn't always visible.

Long before production begins, someone has to source the materials and supplies the company depends on. That work happens behind the scenes, but it affects every department.

Kelly Workman joined Weber Knapp four years ago after finding the Purchasing Manager position on Indeed. Looking for a role that matched her experience, she found an opportunity to continue her career while supporting nearly every department across the company.

What Does a Purchasing Manager Do Each Day?

Purchasing supports nearly every corner of Weber Knapp's operation. Kelly works with a few hundred
vendors who supply the materials and services the company relies on every day.

Her responsibilities include:

• Working with suppliers across a wide range of product categories
• Sourcing materials and services for departments throughout the facility
• Comparing pricing while maintaining quality expectations
• Building relationships with new and existing vendors
• Looking for opportunities to reduce purchasing costs

Those responsibilities mean no two days are exactly alike. Every department has different needs, and purchasing helps keep those needs met so work can continue without interruption.

As Kelly puts it, "Obtaining the best pricing with good quality is our goal."

Growing Through the Job

Although Kelly came to Weber Knapp with purchasing experience, manufacturing introduced her to an industry that was new to her.

She says the biggest area of growth has been learning the metal industry. As she has worked with suppliers and supported production, her understanding of the business has continued to grow.

That knowledge helps her make informed purchasing decisions while strengthening the relationships she builds with vendors and coworkers.

Kelly also says her favorite part of the job is the people she works with.

"The owners create a friendly environment that carries through the entire staff."

Finding Value for Weber Knapp

One accomplishment stands out to Kelly each time it happens.

Whenever she finds a new vendor or successfully renegotiates pricing with an existing supplier, she sees it as a win for the company.

"A lot of time and energy is spent on reducing our cost," she says.

Those efforts may happen behind the scenes, but they have an impact throughout the organization by helping Weber Knapp manage costs while maintaining the quality customers expect.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

For Kelly, the people make the difference.

She believes Weber Knapp invests in its employees and creates an environment where people feel supported in their work. That positive atmosphere, combined with coworkers who work together toward shared goals, makes each day enjoyable.

"I feel that Weber Knapp takes care of and invests in its employees," she says. "The people I work with make up a very good team that works together for the common good of the company."

Supporting Every Department at Weber Knapp

Kelly's work may happen behind the scenes, but it has an impact throughout Weber Knapp. Every supplier relationship she builds and every purchasing decision she makes helps support the teams that rely on materials, equipment, and services to do their jobs.

Over the past four years, she's developed a deeper understanding of the manufacturing industry while contributing to the collaborative culture she values most. Her story shows how every role at Weber Knapp helps move the company forward.

Join Our Team

Interested in building your career at Weber Knapp? Visit our Careers page to see current openings and learn more about joining our team.