Procurement Manager

Job description Job Title: Procurement Manager Location: Columbus MS Salary: Up to $120k (depending on experience) Job Type: Full Time Department: Procurement Reports To: Vice President, Supply Chain Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled experienced, results-driven and proactive individual to become a Procurement Manager to lead our procurement team and manage the day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the entire procurement process, ensuring the effective and efficient acquisition of goods and services, while maintaining cost control, quality standards, and fostering strong supplier relationships. In this leadership role, you will not only oversee strategic procurement but also actively manage and mentor your team, ensuring seamless daily operations and continuous professional development. As a key figure in the procurement department, your leadership will drive the team’s success, operational efficiency, and alignment with organizational goals. Key Responsibilities: Supplier Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms, conditions, and prices. Ensure the team is meeting supplier requirements for on-time delivery and quality standards and resolve any issues as they arise. Contract Negotiations and Compliance: Lead negotiations for contracts, pricing, and terms, ensuring value-driven agreements. Oversee the procurement team’s compliance with legal, regulatory, and company standards, ensuring risk is minimized and obligations are met. Budget Management & Cost Control: Oversee and manage the procurement budget, monitoring expenditures closely and ensuring cost control. Ensure the team follows budgetary guidelines and work with senior leadership to review and adjust the budget as necessary. Risk Management & Process Improvement: Proactively identify procurement risks and lead the team in developing mitigation strategies to minimize disruption. Promote continuous process improvement within the department to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Market Research and Supplier Analysis: Encourage the team to continuously assess market trends, supplier capabilities, and product innovations, ensuring that the company stays ahead in securing competitive pricing and high-quality products. Inventory Management: Collaborate with inventory and logistics teams to ensure optimal stock levels are maintained, preventing overstocking or stockouts. Guide the procurement team in executing accurate demand forecasting and inventory planning Team Leadership & Daily Operations Management: Oversee the daily activities of the procurement team, ensuring efficient task execution, timely order processing, and clear communication within the team. Delegate responsibilities based on team members’ strengths and capabilities, ensuring high performance and productivity Strategic Procurement Leadership: Develop and execute innovative procurement strategies aligned with the organization’s long-term goals, optimizing cost-efficiency, improving supply chain performance, and ensuring a competitive advantage. Training & Development: Lead the development and training of procurement staff, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in their roles. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by providing regular feedback, coaching, and professional development opportunities. Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the procurement team, ensuring the team consistently meets targets. Provide regular performance reports to senior management, highlighting achievements and areas for improvement. Problem Resolution & Decision Making: Act as the primary point of escalation for any procurement-related challenges, providing effective solutions to issues related to supply chain disruptions, contract disputes, or inventory discrepancies. Inventory Control and Demand Forecasting: Collaborate with inventory and logistics teams to forecast demand, manage inventory levels effectively, and ensure the timely replenishment of stock, minimizing both overstock and stockouts. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation: Ensure all procurement activities comply with applicable legal, regulatory, and organizational standards. Maintain clear, accurate, and up-to-date records for all procurement transactions. Team Leadership and Development: Lead, coach, and mentor a team of junior procurement professionals, fostering an environment of continuous improvement, professional development, and high-level performance within the department. Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (Project Management). Experience: Minimum of five to seven years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or operational management, with at least five years in a supervisory or managerial role. Skills: o Strong leadership and team management abilities, with proven experience in managing a team’s day-to-day activities and ensuring high performance. o Advanced communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire team members while effectively managing supplier relationships. o Expertise in procurement software and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. o Strong analytical skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions to improve team performance and procurement outcomes. o Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly address and resolve procurement challenges. o Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining operational efficiency Certifications (Preferred): o CPIM o Six Sigma o Certificates that enhance the candidate’s ability to assume this role Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $120,000.00 per year