Overview

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for agency-wide acquisition of furniture, equipment, materials, supplies, goods and services. As the primary steward of the Rising Ground Purchasing Policy, the Purchasing Manager shall ensure proper compliance and ethical practices for procurement and proper asset management for all property acquired by Rising Ground

Responsibilities

Conduct sourcing for goods and services in accordance with Rising Ground (the “Agency”) Purchasing Policy;

· Analyze trends for needs across programs and departments, and recommend acquisition strategy for new needs as they arise; Research & review competitive pricing for commodities, equipment, consumables and services;

· Generate, review and process requisitions from agency departments, provide guidance and feedback to program purchasers as necessary;

· Conduct training to agency administrative and program staff on purchasing policy and protocols;

· Review and audit all invoices pertaining to purchase orders. Ensure products were delivered and properly receipted;

· Maintain consistent communication & regularity of contact with contracted vendors to ensure service and products are delivered and priced as promised;

· Maintain detailed tracking inventories for agency furniture, equipment and electronics purchases for audits and proactive maintenance purposes;

· Implement new web-based purchasing workflow platform to establish greater compliance and visibility, as it relates to organizational procurement policy and to establish more streamlined and automated integration with agency ERP, Great Plains

Other Responsibilities

· Conduct site visits to review mentioned inventory and ensure staff maintains and account for all items listed;

· Meet with contractors at agency sites to review repairs or small construction jobs to facilitate department Bids or Request for Proposals; develop and procure and contracts for on-demand and preventive maintenance work in coordination with maintenance and operations support units

· Assist with planning and procurement of furniture and equipment for major facility upgrades or renovations;

· Attend professional events and conferences, when necessary, to review new products and technology that may be advantageous to the agency;

· Make emergency purchases via local runs for last minute or unexpected issues.

Maintain a results driven and detail oriented approach, having the ability to multitask and meet deadlines under challenging work conditions;

· Exhibit outstanding customer service using a professional, efficient and compassionate approach with both internal and external parties;

· Develop and maintain excellent professional relationships with program and administrative staff throughout the agency, with the goal of providing an extraordinary support function of agency mission and goals;

· Use web-based technology/systems to maintain detailed progress/completion notes on all work, including personnel assignments, changes and other details; familiarity with Great Plains preferred;

· As a member of the Operations Division and the Department of Real Estate and Infrastructure Operations, maintain awareness of common physical plant hazards and necessary safety precautions and considerations taken during maintenance, repair and upgrade-oriented work; assist and work as a team player when asset purchasing is done in coordination with other physical upgrades at Rising Ground locations

· Ensures compliance with legal, regulatory, audit, safety, and environmental issues

· Ability to respond to after hours, on–call emergencies on rare occasions, as needed.

Qualifications

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

· At least six years of relevant experience

· At least two years of manager-level responsibilities preferred

· Strong organizational skills, advanced written and verbal communication skills

· Strong computer skills (ie.MS Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to learn new programs

· Strong customer service orientation; demonstrates compassion and understanding towards program staff and other stakeholders, even under frustrating and/or challenging circumstances

· Excellent multi-tasking and time management skills; prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.

· Knowledge of maintenance/repair topics, including familiarity with building systems, plumbing, electrical and mechanical preferred

· Ability to follow written and oral instructions, diagrams and manufacturers manuals;

· Vision is required to read printed materials, computer screen and distinguish between colors; operate keyboard driven equipment and computer.

· Strong presentation skills and professional acumen

· Excellent team player with the ability to work independently

· Quality control - demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.

· Safety - actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures and uses equipment and materials properly.

· Problem solving - identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.

· Interpersonal Skills - maintains confidentiality, remains open to the ideas of others and exhibits willingness to try new things.

· Adaptability - adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands