Purchasing Manager - Higher Education

$99,840 - $99,840/Yr

The Salem Group - Grayslake, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Grayslake, IL

Accommodation

About the position

As a Purchasing Manager at The Salem Group, you will provide leadership and oversight for the planning, direction, control, and evaluation of all procurement activities within a higher education organization. Your role will involve ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as adherence to College Board Policy. You will be responsible for managing contract negotiations with vendors and service providers, which includes analyzing and maintaining monthly vendor spend reports. Your focus will be on ensuring that all goods, services, and equipment required by internal departments are obtained within budget and in a timely manner, while actively seeking cost-saving opportunities. Additionally, you will oversee inventory management across all departments and play a key role in recruiting, hiring, and training procurement staff based on departmental needs, identifying any gaps in skills or resources. This position requires a proactive approach to procurement, with an emphasis on strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and vendor management. You will be expected to lead your team effectively, ensuring that procurement processes are efficient and aligned with the organization's goals. Your ability to analyze data and reports will be crucial in making informed decisions that impact the overall procurement strategy. The Purchasing Manager will work closely with various departments to understand their needs and ensure that procurement activities support the institution's objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for all procurement activities.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, and College Board Policy.
• Manage contract negotiations with vendors and service providers.
• Analyze and maintain monthly vendor spend reports.
• Ensure timely procurement of goods, services, and equipment within budget.
• Identify and pursue cost-saving opportunities.
• Oversee inventory management for all departments.
• Recruit, hire, and train procurement staff based on departmental needs.
• Identify gaps in procurement processes and staff capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field with 5 years' experience in a public or higher education organization OR an Associate's Degree with 7 years' experience in a public or higher education organization.
• Minimum of 3 years progressively responsible experience in procurement of goods and services, including strategic sourcing and contract negotiation.
• Minimum of 3 years supervisory experience.
• Proficient knowledge and experience in Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (Workday & PeopleSoft preferred).

Benefits

• Affordable insurance plans
• Paid Sick Leave
• Holiday Pay
• Referral Bonuses
• Retention Bonuses