Purchasing Manager

$105,664 - $126,776/Yr

Cowlitz Indian Tribe - Longview, WA

Full-time - Manager

Longview, WA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Purchasing Manager oversees the Purchasing department within the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT). This role administers the procurement process to ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services needed to support CIT. The Purchasing Manager develops and implements purchasing strategies, negotiates contracts with suppliers, develops policies and procedures, and maintains strong vendor relationships to secure favorable terms and high-quality products. The position also involves monitoring market trends, evaluating supplier performance, and ensuring compliance with applicable tribal, federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Purchasing Manager is expected to maintain professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers, and to honor and represent the mission, vision, and values of CIT.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the Purchasing department within the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT).
• Administers the procurement process to ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services needed to support CIT.
• Develops and implements purchasing strategies, negotiates contracts with suppliers, develops policies and procedures, and maintains strong vendor relationships to secure favorable terms and high-quality products.
• Works with the Legal department and Administration department on reviewing contract packets for required documents.
• Monitors market trends and evaluates supplier performance.
• Analyzes inventory needs, optimizes supply chain efficiency, and collaborates with internal teams to align procurement activities with organizational goals and budgets.
• Manages the purchasing department staff.
• Improves staff effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining team members.
• Hosts regular staff meetings and trainings to ensure communication among team and about purchasing matters.
• Develops or utilizes existing software to track all purchases and expenditures.
• Performs assignments related to purchasing assigned by Tribal Administration.
• Assists in preparing monthly reports for CIT leadership, Tribal Council, and other stakeholders.
• Achieves financial objectives by assisting in preparing annual budgets and budget modifications.
• Processes receipts and expenditures for all departments.
• Maintains compliance with applicable local/state/federal/tribal laws, regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences.
• Maintains strict confidentiality.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, business administration, finance, management, public administration, or a related field.
• 7 years of professional experience in the management of procuring goods and services, preferably for a government.
• 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in coordinating cross-departmental activities and facilitating communication between various departments.
• Familiarity with budget management and financial reporting.
• Experience working in tribal organizations.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be acceptable.
• Valid driver's license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of purchasing department organization, functions, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements related to purchasing, procurement, and accounting.
• Knowledge, understanding, and/or willingness to learn about Cowlitz culture and customs.
• Knowledge of the CIT tribal constitution, tribal codes, tribal resolutions, and council directives.

Benefits

• Tribal preference in hiring.
• Adherence to CIT's established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).