Manager -Purchasing

$80,000 - $155,000/Yr

American Express - Providence, RI

Full-time - Mid Level

Providence, RI

Credit Intermediation and Related Activities

About the position

The Purchasing Manager at American Express will lead the sourcing and procurement processes to maximize the company's purchasing power and drive value from supplier relationships. This role involves developing strategic relationships, implementing category strategies, and managing supplier negotiations to ensure optimal outcomes for the business. The Purchasing Manager will collaborate with various teams to identify opportunities and provide insights that enhance the overall procurement strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain trusted advisor relationships to implement category strategy with a customer-first approach.
• Lead the sourcing process (RFI, RFP, RFQ) in alignment with the category strategy.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategy, negotiate with suppliers, and partner with contract managers on contract execution.
• Identify opportunities and strategic solutions across multiple business teams to enable the business while benefiting the enterprise.
• Develop commercial deal frameworks and key business terms sheets, partnering with the Contract Strategy & Execution team on negotiation plans.
• Enable strategic supplier relationship management through collaboration with the Category Management team.
• Provide clear and regular status updates to business partners and Category Managers.
• Develop negotiation strategies with business and category teams, including plans, timelines, roles, and scripts.
• Manage end-to-end plans from requirements through contract execution.
• Manage overall relationships with customers and suppliers during and after sourcing exercises.
• Leverage industry and internal data for strategy and benchmark analysis.
• Develop and own end-to-end negotiation plans, driving commercial and legal terms and conditions.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant business experience.
• Knowledge of procurement/sourcing processes; experience negotiating with marketing agencies, print and promotional companies, media agencies, and market research companies is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills to develop insights and recommendations.
• Experience leading and participating in cross-functional and/or global teams.
• Outstanding relationship management skills to become a trusted advisor.
• Executive presence and ability to work with colleagues and suppliers at all levels.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, influencing, planning, presentation, and motivation skills.
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
• Ability to manage day-to-day business priorities along with long-term strategic deliverables.
• Positive attitude, flexibility, and ability to deal with ambiguity.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Ariba, Conga, and Service Now.

Benefits

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan
• Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements
• 20 weeks paid parental leave for all parents
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers
• Free and confidential counseling support through the Healthy Minds program
• Career development and training opportunities