What are the responsibilities and job description for the Procurement Manager (IT&S) position at NW Natural?
Procurement Manager (IT&S)
Non-Union Position
Supply Chain Staff; Portland,Oregon (US-OR)
Hybrid scheduleavailablefor Oregon & Washington residents.
Regular FT
Posting # 5435
About Us:
At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve.Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.
In addition to environmental stewardship, we're also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.
At NW Natural, we're transforming Procurement into a strategic business partner that drives innovation, sustainability, and measurable value. Our mission is to enable growth through smarter sourcing, digital enablement, and collaborative partnerships.
As Procurement Manager, you will lead a team of buyers dedicated to supporting Information Technology and Cybersecurity (IT&S) functions. This role is critical in shaping sourcing strategies for hardware, software, cloud services, and security solutions. You will optimize procurement processes, negotiate complex technology agreements, and build strong supplier relationships to deliver cost efficiencies and risk mitigation. Collaboration with IT&S leadership and teams will be essential to ensure timely, compliant, and value-driven procurement aligned with company goals for security, innovation, and operational excellence.
Team Leadership:
- Build and develop a high-performing team of buyers, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Provide coaching and mentorship to ensure professional growth and alignment with organizational objectives.
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management:
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for IT hardware, software licensing, SaaS, cloud services, and cybersecurity solutions.
- Analyze market trends, cost drivers, and vendor capabilities in technology and security sectors.
Contract Negotiation & Risk Management:
- Negotiate complex technology agreements, including software licensing, managed services, 3rd party system integrators, cloud hosting, and cybersecurity solutions.
- Implement risk mitigation strategies such as data security clauses, service-level agreements (SLAs), and compliance requirements.
Vendor Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with technology vendors, service providers, and cybersecurity firms.
- Monitor vendor performance and resolve disputes effectively.
Project Procurement Expertise:
- Support IT&S projects by aligning procurement timelines with project schedules and critical milestones.
- Ensure sourcing decisions meet technical requirements and compliance standards.
Financial Acumen:
- Manage budgets, conduct cost analysis, and forecast for multi-million-dollar technology initiatives.
- Apply total cost of ownership (TCO) and lifecycle costing principles to technology investments.
Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge:
- Ensure adherence to data privacy laws, cybersecurity regulations, and industry-specific compliance requirements.
Digital Procurement Tools:
- Utilize ERP systems (e.g., SAP S/4HANA) and e-sourcing platforms (e.g., SAP Ariba, Fieldglass).
- Leverage analytics for spend visibility, supplier performance tracking, and risk assessment.
Stakeholder Collaboration:
- Partner with IT&S leadership to anticipate needs and influence procurement strategy.
- Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders on technology sourcing and vendor management.
Key Competencies:
- Strategic Business Acumen
- Build Trust & Influences
- Complex Problem Solving
- Analytical Thinking
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Results Orientation
- Learning Agility
- Clear and Persuasive Communication
- Positive Influence
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree is highly preferred; advanced degree or professional certification is a plus.
- Minimum 7 years of management experience in procurement or strategic sourcing; with a significant preference for experience in IT and cybersecurity categories.
- Proven ability to lead teams and deliver measurable business impact.
- Strong negotiation, contract management, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience with ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA, Ariba, Fieldglass) and procurement analytics tools
What we offer:
Health & Wellness -
- Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
- Free access to an online wellness resources platform
Work Life Balance -
- Up to 23 Vacation Days
- 80 Hours of Sick Time
- 10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
- Flexible work arrangements
- 3 weeks paid parental leave
- Green Team / Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council / Safety Team / Women's Network and many other Employee Resource Groups
- 1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
Financial -
- Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
- Competitive 401K company contribution and match
- 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
- Wellness incentive program
Discounts -
- 20% off natural gas service
- Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
- TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
- Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless
Base salary range: $107,500.00-$153,200.00per year, depending on qualifications
Annual Target Incentive: Manager,15.0% target
Targets are calculated using eligible earnings during plan year participation. Payout, if earned, is based on company and individual performance for each plan year and may range from 0% - 200% of target. Targets are subject to change in subsequent plan years. Must be employed by September 30 in order to receive any prorated payout.
Application Process:To be considered for this position, submit a complete electronic application including cover letter and resume via our website.
https://www.nwnatural.com/about-us/the-company/careers
Deadline:12/18/25
Disclosure: We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
All applications must be submitted through NW Natural's Electronic Application System. Resumes submitted via email, fax or mail will not be accepted in lieu of an electronic application.
NW Natural is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace our candidates' diversity and take affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, marital status, genetic information, and all other legally protected characteristics. We forbid discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on any protected status or characteristic. A criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment with NW Natural. Instead, we make individualized assessments regarding qualifications and backgrounds. NW Natural is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact us at employment@nwnatural.com or (971) 979-6341.
NW Natural does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural as a result of the referral or through other means.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any federal, state or locally protected class.
We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. Pre-employment drug tests are part of the hiring process and apply to all positions.
NW Natural does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural as a result of the referral or through other means.