Purchasing Manager

Purpose of Position: 

Under the direction of the Vice President of Safety, Security and Technology, the Purchasing Manager oversees all purchasing activities for the organization, ensuring timely, cost-effective procurement. This role manages the purchasing function as a key business segment, providing operational leadership, overseeing vendor management, contracts, inventory, and fiscal responsibility, while driving process improvements to support departmental goals and efficient operations.  

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Commitment to providing excellent customer service and supporting the vision and values of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. 

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 

• Leadership and operational management experience in purchasing, including vendor management, contract negotiation, and inventory coordination. 

• Sound decision-making and independent judgment, including the capacity to respond effectively in time-sensitive or complex situations. 

• Collaborative relationship-building and effective communication skills with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders. 

• Ability to analyze processes and information, identify problems and trends, and develop effective solutions and strategies to meet departmental goals.  

• Ability to develop, evaluate and recommend changes in programs or activities sometimes simultaneously, to improve the organization’s operational effectiveness. 

• Workflow management and prioritization skills to balance competing demands  

• Intermediate Microsoft skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, preferably in MS365. 

• Experience using Envi or other Inventory Optimization Solutions (IOS) preferred.  

 Education and/or Experience: 

•  High school diploma, GED or equivalent. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred. 

• 3- 5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or related operational roles required.  

• Experience in healthcare, manufacturing, or similarly regulated environment preferred.  

• Must have demonstrated supervisory experience. 

 Supervisory Experience:  

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. 

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

 This position is: 

 Predominantly sedentary with intermittent (15% or less of time in typical week) standing  

and walking 

Other Physical Requirements: 

•  Repetitive motions of hands and wrists related to typing on a keyboard and using a mouse 

• Fine finger movements 

• Holding, grasping, and/or gripping objects 

 Vision and Hearing Abilities: 

• Close vision 

• Speaking 

 May require lifting and/or carrying objects weighing: 

• Up to 25 pounds 

 Working Conditions: 

This position is generally performed in an office environment but involves frequent interruptions. The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations, however, may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform said essential functions. 

 Other environmental and/or working conditions: 

• Normal noise levels 

 Working Hours:  

 Occasional evening and/or weekend hours may be necessary. 

 Driving Conditions: 

 This position may include occasional travel. Must have access to transportation. If driving personal vehicle, a valid driver's license and auto insurance in accordance with agency liability standards is required. 

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

 Purchasing and Operational Management 

•  Direct and manage the purchasing function, including requisition review, purchase order processing, contract management, and vendor relations.  

• Collaborate with other departments to identify purchasing needs, to find specifications, and ensure timely delivery of required materials and services.  

• Oversee inventory control processes in collaboration with business operations to ensure adequate stock levels and prevent over or under ordering. 

• Review and approve purchase orders and requisitions.   

• Develop, implement, and maintain purchasing policies, procedures, and documentation standards.  

• Prepare and present regular reports on purchasing activity, cost savings, supplier performance, and market conditions.  

• Lead process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing purchasing efficiency, accuracy, and system functionality.  

Financial and Cost Management 

•  Analyze market trends, anticipate price fluctuations, and recommend purchasing strategies accordingly.  

• Track and analyze budget impact, while leading cost reduction initiatives.  

Contracting and Vendor Management 

•  Negotiate and execute supplier contracts to achieve optimal pricing, quality, and service levels. 

• Communicate with suppliers to resolve problems that may arise during delivery, quality, price, or conditions of sale.   

• Assess vendor capabilities, monitor performance, and develop alternative sources of supply as needed.  

• Coordinate with accounting to reconcile invoices and resolve vendor or pricing discrepancies.  

• Other duties as assigned.