Procurement Manager

WHY WESTERN STATES: Western State's culture is based on passion for our Vision, Mission, and VALUES. We are fiercely committed to SAFETY and sending every employee, safely home, every day. We strive for EXCELLENCE in all we do and are proud to be a "play to win" organization. We act with INTEGRITY in each and every decision we make. Our People and TEAMWORK drive a fun and engaging culture. We are ACCOUNTABLE as individuals and as an organization.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Procurement Manager plays a pivotal role in driving strategic spending and is responsible for overseeing Western States procurement activities. This role works closely with the finance team and operational departments to develop and implement best in practice processes, spend analytics, vendor management, and procurement policies. The Procurement Manager leads a team in sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing goods and services. Key responsibilities include procurement process management, vendor selection/evaluation, and strategic sourcing. Excellent communication and flexibility will be critical as this position will serve as the point of contact for the day-to-day procurement activities and will interface with clients at all levels of the business, internal and external.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Safety

• Responsible for sourcing, negotiating, purchasing, and distributing PPE to ensure Western States employees have required safety supplies.
• Actively cares, promotes, manages, and advocates safety at Western States. As a leader and team member in the organization, it is critical to ensure all employees, vendors, and clients have a safe work environment while adhering to all applicable safety policies, procedures and standards.
• Maintain a clean/clutter free work areas to ensure safe environment for all WSECO employees.
• Adhere to required personal protective equipment (PPE) as identified in safety policy.

Team Leadership:

• Provides guidance, direction, and support to procurement team, creating a positive and productive work environment.
• Assigns tasks and responsibilities based on team members strengths and workload.
• Evaluates individual and team performance, providing constructive feedback and performance improvement if needed. Establish goals, track progress, and adjust to achieve objectives.
• Efficiently manages resources, including team members, to meet operational demands and optimize productivity.
• Leads and inspires a cross-functional e-commerce team.

Procurement Process Management and Documentation:

• Manages and develop Western States procurement processes to maintain streamline purchasing and financial spend strategies.
• Collaborates with finance leadership to identify opportunities for process improvement, streamline procurement procedures, and implement solutions to complex procurement challenges.
• Develops and utilize ERP procurement system to further advance procurement functionality i.e., Procure to Pay workflows, procurement categories, purchase agreements, and vendor management interfaces.
• Develops and utilize ERP reporting, and commercial card reporting to communicate procurement priorities, goals, challenges, and results.
• Maintains comprehensive documentation of internal/external procurement processes ensuring accuracy and accessibility for procurement team.
• Develops and delivers procurement related training to employees. ie. Purchase order creation, purchase requisition submission, disbursement request process, etc.
• Provides guidance to STOCKROOM operations team, including budgeting, product listings, order fulfillment, customer service, branding, and website maintenance.

Vendor Management:

• Negotiates successfully across the organization and with external vendors in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• Manages all aspects of vendor management process, including identifying and onboarding vendors, negotiating contracts, and ensuring terms and conditions compliance. vendor evaluations, RFQ process, etc.
• Leads strategic planning for e-commerce vendor partnership in alignment with overall company objectives, including growth opportunities, market trends, and new technologies to stay competitive.
• Tracks vendor metrics, such as negotiated cost savings, quality of goods/services, on-time delivery rate, sustainability, and user satisfaction.
• Collaborates with various departments to align vendor services with Western States operational and financial goals.
• Resolves vendor grievances and claims against suppliers.

Spend Management:

• Develops, implements and audits adherence to procurement, travel and entertainment policies.
• Manages all aspects of P-Card administration, including issuing cards, spend audits, policy compliance, fraud issues, spend limits, employee communication, WellsOne training, system management, card declines, OOP information, etc.
• Supports procurement risk management i.e. Approval limits, buyer spending limits, security roles, etc.
• Collaborates with Capital Project Financial Manager in overseeing procurement processes for capital projects and fixed assets.
• Provides guidance to E-commerce team to execute strategies to increase online sales.
• Provides support to the accounting department for monthly and year end accruals.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Proven skills in written and verbal communications, planning, organizing, negotiation, listening, leadership and interpersonal relationship building.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude under adverse conditions.
• Must be a self-starter and ability to work without direct supervision.
• Be a team player and work/communicate across and with finance and operations departments.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft computer products and experience with ERP accounting software.
• Ability to change, adapt and innovate with a fast-changing business environment.
• Consistent attendance

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in applicable area of study such as business, purchasing or accounting preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years previous business, purchasing, finance or accounting experience required.
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience preferred.
• Proof of driver's license and acceptable driving record required.
• Must be able to communicate (speak, read, comprehend, write) in English. Preference given for Spanish speaking

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Ability to stand for long periods of time along with walking, sitting, repetitive climbing stairs, reaching (including but not limited to above-shoulder reaching), repetitive bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, leaning and twisting.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. in accordance with Western States' Lifting Policy to include amount and approach.
• Must be able to meet all safety requirements for applicable safety policies.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this classification.