Purchasing Manager

We invite individuals who are enthusiastic about the aviation industry and dedicated to providing a world-class experience to apply. Join us and be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, supports each other's development, and embraces diverse ideas and perspectives.

Serving as Michigan's second busiest airport and recognized as one of the best small airports in the country by USA Today, Gerald R. Ford International Airport stands as a testament to West Michigan's vibrant growth. The airport serves over four million passengers annually, with seven commercial airline partners offering nonstop flights to over 30 destinations. As a vital economic engine in the region, it supports more than 40,000 jobs and contributes over $7 billion to the economy each year.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport has received multiple awards from Airports Council International World's 2023 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, including Best airport 2 to 5 million passengers in North America; Airport with the Most Dedicated Staff in North America; Easiest Airport Journey in North America; Most Enjoyable Airport in North America; and Cleanest Airport in North America. Managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, the airport is committed to creating an exceptional travel experience for our passengers while fostering growth and prosperity for all of West Michigan. Our team is dedicated, passionate, and focused on innovation, making it a great place to build a rewarding career.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under limited supervision, the Purchasing Manager manages the procurement of goods and services by the Authority, develops and implements practices and procedures to help ensure cost-effective acquisitions of capital equipment, contractual services, and operating materials and supplies for the Airport. Ensures all procurement activities comply with professional codes of ethics and established Authority policies and procedures. Manages procurement operations associated with the Airport vehicle fleet.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Listed examples are illustrative and representative of the tasks required of this classification but are not intended to be complete or exhaustive for this position.

Directs, analyzes, and implements e-commerce technology, including procurement cards, e-mail bidding, and web-enabled purchasing.

• Analyzes procurement processes and develops proposals to increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness through market data, combining purchases of like goods and services to obtain quantity discounts and other means.
• Ensures all purchase agreements and activities conform to the NIGP Code of Ethics and professional conduct standards.
• Negotiates purchasing agreements, leases, maintenance, and service contracts.
• Serves as purchasing agent for the Authority, which includes fleet services.
• Research operating specifications, maintenance and performance histories, price data, purchase prices, and price incentives on alternative products and vendors, and recommend products and/or vendor selection based on this data.
• Develops, solicits, receives, and reviews Requests for Proposals (RFP), Requests for Quotations (RFQ), and Requests for Bids (RFB).
• Oversees short – and long-range procurement planning
• Leads in disadvantaged contracting and reporting of the DBE program
• Administers the storage, redeployment, and disposal of surplus and obsolete Authority assets.
• Administers receiving and reviewing proposals, quotations, reverse auctions, and bids, and assists departments in selecting cost-effective vendors and contractors.
• Recommends purchasing action requests and represents purchasing at Authority Committee meetings.
• Collaborates with management on reviewing and recommending changes to the Authority Purchasing Policy.
• Prepares and designs required and requested purchasing reports.
• Leads the vendor outreach initiatives.
• Supports Grant writing, pursuit, and non-traditional Grants for the Authority.
• Coordinate annual insurance renewals, broker engagements, and policy reviews.
• Maintain accurate schedules of insured property, vehicles, and equipment.
• Handle claims intake, documentation, and coordination with carriers and internal departments.
• Monitor contract language to ensure proper insurance requirements and vendor compliance.
• Support development of risk mitigation procedures with Operations, Finance and Legal.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution, in Business Management, Materials & Logistics Management, or a closely related field, combined with five years of purchasing management experience, including experience as a supervisor, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) preferred
• Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) strongly preferred

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience as a Purchasing Manager, including supervision. Holding at least one certification is highly preferred.
• Public Purchasing experience is strongly desired.
• Possesses thorough knowledge of the CPPO and NAPM Code of Ethics.
• Has a strong working knowledge of financial computer applications, including spreadsheets, databases, and purchasing software; experience with the New World System is preferred.
• Understands established purchasing processes and practices.
• Has working knowledge of the Uniform Commercial Code and contract law.
• Able to interact positively and objectively with directors, managers, employees, and potential vendors from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Demonstrates strong organizational, managerial, and supervisory skills.
• Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exhibits excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.
• Working knowledge of public administration and public finance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices and generally accepted auditing standards.
• Ability to take total ownership and/or coordinate projects from beginning to end, effectively working with multiple departments and outside organizations.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a high-stress environment and constantly change priorities as needs arise.
• Must work well in a team environment with limited instruction/supervision.
• Effective and proven negotiation skills.
• Must be able to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; make independent judgments without supervision; and acquire knowledge of topics related to the primary occupation.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, to always perform work with a positive attitude and professionalism.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.

NOTES: 

1. Candidate must be able to pass the required FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check in addition to pre-hire and random drug and alcohol screenings.

CONTACTS: 

This position has frequent contact with:

• Vendors and contractors to receive bids and proposals, provide notice of purchasing agreements and contracts awarded, negotiate agreements, and resolve problems in contract compliance.
• Elected officials, directors, authorized managers, and employees to respond to requests to purchase equipment, materials, operating supplies, and/or contractual services.
• Accounting and finance staff will provide the purchasing data to prepare financial reports.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Valid Michigan Driver’s License

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.
• May be standing or moving around at special events and must be able to move around as needed. Must be able to lift 10-20 pounds without problem.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• This position will work independently or in a team setting.
• Mostly office environment with occasional exposure to outside elements and noise. 
• May require some travel

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None