Job Description

Job Description:
Essential Job Functions

* Processes and completes highly complex, time sensitive and large dollar procurements; determines prices from available vendors which meet cost and quality guidelines; is expected to deliver substantial cost savings on a consistent basis; places orders; verifies receipt of order, and follows through to recepit of goods and services.
* Recommends continuous improvements to guidelines or standards from which vendors should be selected; recommends additions to and deletions from the supplier/vendor database as appropriate; reviews new vendor performance and adjusts approved list of vendors as appropriate. Creates strategy for selection of vendors based upon trends, needs and business opportunities and oversees implementation of same.
* Oversees procedures for conducting vendor negotiations. Conducts highly complex negotiations with suppliers to obtain products at the best quantity and cost in order to ensure end-users needs are met; negotiates delivery, terms and conditions, and pricing. Identifies future procurement opportunities to further procurement strategies. Adjusts approach as needed depending upon circumstances.
* Solicits suppliers/vendors for materials/products/services through formal Requests for Services (FRS) and/or Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and informal channels and, as needed, with supplier's senior management. Conducts complex negotiations on terms favorable considering quality, delivery, and prices; receives and evaluates proposals, quotations, and bids for acquisitions. Determines approach to FRS and RFP activities, recommends and as approved, implements changes to current processes.
* Maintains communication with suppliers at the senior managment level during course of highly complex procurement activities in order to ensure timely delivery in compliance with the requirements of the procurement document. Establishes relationships with new suppliers and develops new supply sources. Works with new suppliers at the senior management level to ensure understanding of company approach and to ensure acceptance.
* Plans and coordinates the procurement of materials, products/services and equipment necessary for the operation of the business unit or assigned projects. Creates standards, and when approved, implements same; ensures suppliers/vendor's adherence to industry standards, technical quality standards, and other corporate/business unit driven expectations.
* Analyzes highly complex bids for specification compliance, prices, delivery commitments and past performance; utilizes online systems as a resource for procurement. Recommends revisions or process improvements to meet company needs; implements same when approved.
* Provides leadership and work guidance to less experienced personnel.

Basic Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
* Bachelor's degree in business administration, inventory management or related field preferred
* Twelve or more years of experience in purchasing or inventory management
* Experience working with procurement practices
* Experience working with contracts including request for proposals (RFP) and request for information (RFI)
* Experience working with products and services within related market
* Experience working with procurement software

Other Qualifications

* Strong communication skills
* Strong analytical and problem solving skills
* Strong personal computer and business solutions software skills
* Strong negotiating skills to interact with vendors
* Good leadership skills to guide and mentor the work of less experienced personnel
* Ability to understand financial analysis and implications with regard to contracts and suppliers
* Ability to create and maintain formal and informal networks

Work Environment

* Office environment