What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Manager position at Sonder?
Sonder is revolutionizing hospitality through innovative, tech-powered service and inspiring, thoughtfully designed accommodations combined into one seamlessly managed experience. Officially launched in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, Sonder is making a world of better stays open to all with a variety of accommodation options — from rooms to suites and apartments — found in more than 30 cities spanning eight countries and three continents. Sonder's innovative app empowers guests by making self-service features and 24/7 on-the-ground support just a tap away. From simple self check-in to boutique bathroom amenities, we bring the best of a hotel without any of the formality.
As a Purchasing Manager, your responsibilities will range from organizing and supervising purchasing functions of Sonder; managing daily activities in purchasing and also lead and direct the work of purchasing agents including hiring, training and supervising. This position will also entail demonstrating effective communication and problem-solving skills. For this role, we look for individuals who learn quickly and who thrive in fast paced environments. We look to these individuals to work with a dynamic team of purchasing agents as well as working independently while still being a team player.
AT SONDER YOU WILL:
- Develop purchasing strategies, maintain positive relationships with suppliers, coordinating with internal teams regarding their supply needs, and overseeing the purchasing team in their daily activities by allocating and reviewing tasks as needed.
- Manage supplier relations and negotiate contracts, prices, timelines, etc.
- Maintain the supplier database, purchase records, and related documentation.
- Evaluate spending operations while seeking ways to improve and enhance the quality of products purchased and the timeliness of deliveries
- Coordinate with inventory control to determine and manage inventory needs.
- Ensure that all procured items meet the required quality standards and specifications.
- Develop risk management procedures to mitigate losses in the event of product shortages.
- Work to improve purchasing systems and processes in order to make processes streamlined and efficient.
- Train new employees in the purchasing process and how to use the purchasing system.
- Track key SLAs, publish metrics on core tasks and activities for each member of the purchasing team.
- Provide weekly updates to procurement leadership on key progress, issues, timelines and flag any blockers that require management intervention.
- Serve as the primary contact for procurement-related questions, training, policy and procedure interpretation and alignment by all departments.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and own projects.
- Own communication and the Procurement needs of a few key depts (i.e. Accounts Payable, Legal, IT, etc.) to address any purchasing need and clarify issues promptly
- Work cross functionally with internal teams.
- Maintain the accuracy of shared spreadsheets and data entry tasks by sharing workload for the broader team during crunch time.
- Oversee supplier-related activities and their performance to ensure that they're meeting compliance. Also coordinate with these companies to resolve any issues that arise.
- Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR:
- Previous working experience in Purchasing Management for 6 year preferably in a managerial capacity
- Extensive experience with handling a team of purchasing agents, managing the day to day business operations for the company
- Hands-on experience in budgeting and purchasing management
- Ability to articulate business issues from a tactical to a strategic level and present to senior management and drive necessary actions
- Superb communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
- Outstanding negotiation skills
- Problem solver with a strong analytical mindset
- Outstanding organizational and time management skills
- Excellent customer service skills
We also have great benefits to make your life easier so you can focus on what you're best at:
Competitive compensation
Generous stock option plan
Medical, dental and vision insurance
Exempt team members have paid time off. Non-exempt team members accrue paid time off.
Annual free credits and discounts to stay in Sonders
A company with a huge vision, a dynamic work environment, and a team of smart, ambitious and fun to work-with colleagues!
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status or other protected classes.
Qualified individuals must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please email leaves@sonder.com with your name, role you applied for, and accommodation request. Sonder is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Resumes sent to this email will not be reviewed.
