Head of Procurement and Purchasing

West Coast University; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Procurement to lead strategic procurement initiatives across multiple locations. This pivotal role involves developing procurement strategies, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance with policies while optimizing costs. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of procurement principles and strong analytical skills, with a proven track record in leading teams and projects. Join a dynamic environment where your leadership will drive efficiency and innovation in procurement practices, making a significant impact on the organization’s success.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in procurement management and leadership.
• Strong understanding of procurement policies and vendor negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement functions and develop centralized processes.
• Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships effectively.

Skills

Procurement Principles

Negotiation Skills

Financial Analysis

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

Office Software (Word, Excel, Databases)

Job description

Choose To Make A Difference

Job Summary Reporting to the VP of Finance, the Director of Procurement oversees the procurement functions across multiple locations within an academic and administrative shared services environment. Responsibilities include developing and managing master contracts, including Service Level Agreements and warranties, establishing a centralized procurement process, and leading sourcing strategies. The role involves managing product and vendor sourcing, resolving vendor issues, researching cost-saving opportunities, conducting product and vendor evaluations, negotiating contracts, and preparing Requests for Proposal (RFPs). Collaboration with Shared Services Administration, American Career College, and West Coast University is essential to facilitate and resolve procurement-related issues.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement procurement strategies, policies, and procedures for American Career College, West Coast University, and Shared Services Administration. Lead strategic planning for procurement functions, establish vendor relationships, and provide project management and leadership for procurement initiatives.
2. Collaborate extensively with leadership across the organizations. Demonstrate strategic thinking and influence organizational priorities related to procurement.
3. Apply strong financial analysis skills to assess RFP responses, considering both budgetary constraints and long-term financial implications.
4. Manage procurement of indirect expenses, professional services, educational and healthcare simulation products, laboratory/classroom, facility, and electronic capital expenses. Coordinate with accounting on equipment capitalization and warranty tracking.
5. Negotiate pricing and contractual terms with vendors, evaluate vendor service levels, and lead the implementation of new services or vendors with stakeholders and end-users.
6. Assess product quality, effectiveness, and durability; resolve issues related to purchased products or services.
7. Develop and maintain a centralized purchasing system for departments across the organizations, ensuring consistency, cost control, and efficiency.
8. Explore and implement centralized inventory management, monitor inventory levels for cost-effectiveness, and ensure accurate reporting of charges, quantities, and inventory values.
9. Maintain updated vendor and market information, including contracts, price lists, and catalogs, and stay informed on market trends and new products.
10. Review staffing needs, participate in hiring, training, counseling, and evaluating procurement staff to ensure effective support.
11. Prepare and monitor budgets and plans for procurement activities, report on performance, and ensure compliance with policies and standards.
12. Adhere to ethical standards, legal requirements, and company policies in all job responsibilities.
13. Maintain punctuality, proper record-keeping, and confidentiality of sensitive information.
14. Ensure proper use and maintenance of department equipment, promote a safe and clean work environment, and perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Education, Certifications, and Licenses

• A Master's degree may be preferred.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Generally requires a Bachelor's degree.

Required Experience and Skills

• Extensive knowledge of procurement principles, practices, and policies.
• Experience leading teams, projects, or programs, with a minimum of 7 years of related work experience, including management roles.
• Ability to interpret company policies, negotiate effectively with vendors, and work effectively in diverse environments.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with office equipment and software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes (Reports to VP of Finance)