Program Manager - Purchasing Systems

$111,500 - $139,400/Yr

Avangrid - Orange, CT

Full-time - Senior

Orange, CT

Utilities

About the position

As the Program Manager for Purchasing Systems at Avangrid, you will oversee the implementation of complex strategies within the Purchasing Team. This role involves collaborating cross-functionally to understand business needs, optimizing system processes, and enhancing purchasing systems. You will serve as the primary interface between internal teams and global partners, addressing system issues, recommending enhancements, and coordinating training. The position is designed to drive process optimization initiatives and improve overall efficiency within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Act as an innovation partner to the department Director and related leadership team.
• Promote out-of-the-box thinking and collaborate with stakeholders to improve processes.
• Create strong, trustworthy relationships with peers and stakeholders.
• Act as lead technical advisor to the Global Purchasing Team on Ariba system upgrades and modifications.
• Ensure alignment between business and technical needs during system changes.
• Lead, execute, and document testing of change implementations to the system.
• Maintain user approver tables and coordinate with Global Purchasing to maintain authorization integrity.
• Work with the business and Procurement team to define new requirements and implement system changes.
• Provide day-to-day resolutions to IT help desk tickets for Ariba software system issues.
• Communicate system changes to Business and Purchasing users and coordinate training as necessary.
• Identify, promote, and drive the implementation of process improvements with process owners and IT partners.
• Perform qualitative analysis of key performance indicators to identify further opportunities for improvement.
• Create and analyze business process diagrams and flowcharts to document current processes and support optimization initiatives.
• Collect and document business requirements for process improvement efforts.
• Ensure project adherence to planned timelines and progress according to project goals.
• Assess change impact and support communication and training efforts.
• Promote innovative solutions and collaborate with Subject Matter Experts and vendors for new solutions and trends.
• Develop reference guides related to the Purchasing process and applications.
• Assist with training of new Purchasing and Business Team members on Purchasing processes.
• Provide budgeting support, forecasting, and variance reporting.
• Support internal and external controls, audits, and rate cases.
• Monitor and analyze supplier base, including collecting supplier information and analyzing ethics and financial risk.
• Generate and maintain various reports and presentations as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business or related discipline plus meaningful relevant experience in consultancy projects, business process improvement or innovation projects.
• Master's Degree in Business or related discipline is preferred.
• 3 - 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in SAP Ariba.
• Proficient in all Microsoft applications.
• Project management skills and ability to lead multiple high-profile projects simultaneously.
• Evaluate project progress and identify risks and problems, ensuring timely escalation/solution.
• Strong ability to prioritize work and maintain good judgement in a rapidly changing environment.
• Able to work independently, prioritize work, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels.
• Proactive and analytical thinker with the ability to manage complexity and think strategically.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual in English/Spanish (preferred).

Benefits

• Opportunities for advancement
• Competitive Total Rewards package