Purchasing Manager

Kettering University - Flint, MI

Part-time - Mid Level

Flint, MI

Educational Services

About the position

The Purchasing Manager at Kettering University plays a crucial role in managing the daily operations of the purchasing function, ensuring that the university's policies and practices facilitate the timely, efficient, and ethical delivery of essential goods and services to the Kettering community. This position requires a strong commitment to the university's values, including respect, integrity, creativity, collaboration, and excellence. The Purchasing Manager will evaluate and develop University-wide procurement policies and procedures that comply with all applicable Federal and State rules and regulations, representing best practices in procurement. In this role, the Purchasing Manager will develop positive relationships with various stakeholders, including Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors, and Department Heads, to implement procurement initiatives that enhance procurement processes, increase contract compliance, and reduce purchase and invoice transactions. The manager will also be responsible for negotiating contracts for the acquisition of goods and services, leading complex procurement initiatives, and promoting strategic activities focused on supplier management. The Purchasing Manager will assist end-user departments in formulating bid specifications and will facilitate cross-functional task teams to garner support for large scope purchasing projects. Additionally, the manager will partner with the CFO to provide insights and recommendations aimed at maximizing revenues and profits. The role also involves initiating cost savings programs, managing a portfolio of contracts, and employing data and metrics to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of procurement operations. The Purchasing Manager will serve as a backup to other areas of the Business Office and will routinely update desk procedures for all related purchasing tasks, ensuring a smooth operation of the purchasing function.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the purchasing function to ensure timely, efficient, and ethical delivery of goods and services.
• Evaluate, make recommendations, and develop University-wide procurement policies and procedures.
• Develop positive relationships with campus constituents to implement procurement initiatives.
• Negotiate contracts for the acquisition of goods and services and lead complex procurement initiatives.
• Recommend overall contracting strategies and negotiate legal and business terms.
• Apply facilitation and leadership skills to obtain end-user participation in purchasing projects.
• Assist end-user departments in formulating bid specifications and lead cross-functional task teams.
• Contribute to the efficient operation of the business unit by partnering with the CFO.
• Initiate cost savings programs and manage a portfolio of contracts.
• Develop specifications, issue, and analyze requests for proposals and award contracts.
• Act as an agent of the university to negotiate with vendors and approve purchase orders.
• Employ data and metrics to manage the effectiveness and efficiency of procurement operations.
• Serve as backup to other areas of the Business Office.
• Routinely update and maintain desk procedures for all related purchasing tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management or related field or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years relevant progressive procurement experience; strong contracting and negotiation skills.
• Prior purchasing experience with a focus on leading sourcing projects and supplier management.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills in both written and verbal formats.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with all levels of an organization.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and Google suites and other hardware/software as needed.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities and complex projects.

Nice-to-haves

• Not-for-profit accounting experience in a private college setting.
• Knowledge of Ellucian Banner Finance software.
• Knowledge of Argos software.

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits with up to a 9% Kettering matching contribution
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance and waiver programs
• Vacation and holiday pay
• Sick and disability pay
• Home purchase assistance program
• Recreation center membership
• Many other benefits