Purchasing Manager

MITRE Corporation - Bedford, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Bedford, MA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

At MITRE, we are dedicated to addressing our nation's most pressing challenges while ensuring the well-being of our employees. As a not-for-profit corporation, we operate without commercial conflicts, focusing solely on the public interest. Our R&D centers work on impactful projects across various fields, including cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We are looking for a Purchasing Manager to lead our Purchasing Department, overseeing a team of six purchasing professionals in a Federal Contract environment. This role involves managing cradle-to-grave procurement packages, ensuring compliance with MITRE's Corporate Policies and Practices, and adhering to Federal Acquisition Regulations. The Purchasing Manager will be responsible for conducting purchasing system audits, both internal and governmental, and will recommend improvements to enhance the purchasing function. This position requires a strong partnership with internal customers and will report directly to the Senior Manager. The role is hybrid, requiring 50% in-person work on campus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee/manage/mentor a team of 6 staff purchasing professionals as they execute cradle-to-grave procurement packages in a Federal Contract environment.
• Provide guidance to project teams on complex purchasing actions and educate project leaders on compliance issues, including CPSR and federal regulations.
• Review and resolve compliance issues on assigned tasks, ensuring legal requirements and company objectives are met.
• Support project team compliance with internal processes, including the Purchasing Policy & Procedures Manual.
• Issue RFPs/RFQs and review proposal submissions with appropriate detail based on complexity.
• Perform procurements to support cradle-to-grave orders, including preparation of solicitations, proposal reviews, evaluation criteria development, negotiation, and awarding contracts.
• Ensure procurement file compliance and conduct Cost/Price Analysis.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Implement and manage cost reduction programs to achieve favorable pricing and delivery terms.
• Review performance of subordinate personnel and recommend actions such as salary increases, promotions, and disciplinary measures.
• Assist in planning and executing corporate training and organizational development for Purchasing department personnel.
• Develop and implement organizational changes to adapt to a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrate critical and strategic thinking skills, along with excellent communication skills.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as Contracts, Finance, Compliance, and Program Management, to resolve issues.

Requirements

• 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 8 years with a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 years' experience; or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Demonstrated success in managing staff in Procurement organizations.
• Experience with continuous process improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of FAR and FAR Supplement regulations and flow down requirements.
• Knowledge of CPSR/internal audits and requirements.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated flexibility and agility to prioritize in a changing environment.
• Ability to handle multiple concurrent work streams while producing high-quality output.
• Strong supervisory and interpersonal skills to interact with all levels of stakeholders, including MITRE Officers/Directors and government officials.
• Proven track record of successful contract negotiations and driving cost savings.
• Strong analytical skills for assessing supplier proposals and performing total cost analysis.

Nice-to-haves

• Demonstrated proficiency in Deltek Costpoint financial System.
• Understanding of Procure-to-Pay Ivalua.
• Proficiency in Microsoft O365, SharePoint, Word, and Excel.
• Experience in negotiating agreements and contract terms.
• Ability to handle multiple concurrent work streams while producing high-quality output.
• Confident self-starter with the ability to work under pressure and meet aggressive deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits
• Exceptional professional development opportunities
• Culture of innovation that embraces diversity and inclusion
• Flexible work environment
• Career growth opportunities