Director of Strategic Procurement & Vendor Management

National Aquarium; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care after 30 days

Conservation day leave

401(k) with employer match

Job summary

The National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD is seeking a Director of Procurement to lead our centralized procurement function, reporting to the VP of Finance. You will set organization-wide strategies, policies, and processes to strengthen financial stewardship, leverage buying power, and improve vendor management.

The role oversees strategic sourcing, RFP/RFQ processes, and significant vendor negotiations while aligning with departments to balance operational needs with controls.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in procurement, strategic sourcing and contract management.
• Experience building centralized procurement functions.
• Nonprofit/cultural sector experience preferred.
• Strong vendor negotiation and spend analysis.
• Leadership and supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead centralized procurement across the organization.
• Oversee strategic sourcing, RFP/RFQ, and vendor negotiations.
• Develop purchasing policies, thresholds, and internal controls.
• Provide oversight of accounts payable integration with procurement.
• Track savings, spend analytics, and KPIs.
• Partner with Finance on budgeting and forecasting.
• Ensure vendor management and contract administration.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Financial acumen

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Finance

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

The National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD is seeking a Director of Procurement to lead our centralized procurement function, reporting to the VP of Finance. You will set organization-wide strategies, policies, and processes to strengthen financial stewardship, leverage buying power, and improve vendor management.

The role oversees strategic sourcing, RFP/RFQ processes, and significant vendor negotiations while aligning with departments to balance operational needs with controls.