82-120 Manager - Purchasing

The Purchasing Manager will oversee all aspects of procurement to ensure the timely acquisition of high‑quality goods and services—ranging from food & beverage supplies to housekeeping, maintenance, and gaming‑floor essentials. Responsibilities also include inventory management and control for F&B, Gift Shop, and RV Park. You will work closely with department heads, the Director of Accounting and Finance, and external vendors to create purchase requisitions, assign PO numbers, solicit competitive bids, and prepare contracts. A strategic thinker, you'll analyze price proposals, monitor market trends, track shipments, resolve delivery issues, and address quality concerns. Maintaining accurate records of purchases, costs, vendor performance, and inventories is essential.

Merchandise Acquisition: Source and secure the highest quality merchandise at the most competitive prices while ensuring appropriate order quantities.

Purchasing Process Management: Prepare purchase requisitions, assign purchase order numbers, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services.

Prime Vendor Management: Fully leverage relationship with Avendra to maximize annual purchase thresholds and associated discounts

Supplier Evaluation: Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, and reputation.

Pricing Analysis: Analyze price proposals and related data to determine fair and reasonable pricing.

Compliance Oversight: Monitor and ensure adherence to all applicable tribal, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Contract Management: Assist Directors in negotiating, renegotiating, and administering supplier contracts; monitor contract performance and report any necessary changes.

Shipment & Delivery Oversight: Track and trace shipments to ensure timely delivery, investigate delays or issues, and follow up on undelivered goods.

Stakeholder Communication: Liaise frequently with staff, vendors, and end‑users to address defective or substandard goods and determine corrective actions.

Recordkeeping & Documentation: Maintain computerized and manual records related to purchases, costs, delivery, product performance, and inventories.

Market Intelligence & Sourcing Strategy: Stay informed on market trends by reviewing catalogs, industry publications, and online resources; consult with departments to develop strategic purchasing programs.

Vendor Engagement & Site Visits: Conduct vendor interviews and visit supplier facilities to gain firsthand knowledge of products and services.

Team Supervision & Training: Hire, train, and supervise the Receiving Clerk; provide coaching and performance feedback.

Technical Specification Development: Write and review product specifications, maintaining a working technical knowledge of items being purchased.

Policy & SOP Development: Formulate procurement policies and bid‑proposal procedures; prepare and revise Standard Operating Procedures for the purchasing department (subject to Finance Director approval).

Professional Development & Collaboration: Attend meetings and seminars to foster interdepartmental collaboration and stay updated on industry best practices.

Customer Service Excellence: Deliver exceptional customer service in accordance with company policies and promote teamwork by assisting others as needed.

Other Duties as Assigned: Perform additional responsibilities as directed to support department and organizational objectives.

Accounting Software: Basic understanding of common accounting software, such as Microsoft Great Plains, NetSuite, and Sage IntAcct. If no experience, then must possess the ability and acumen to learn new software models as needed.

The Purchasing Manager will supervise and train:

• Receiving Clerk to ensure effective receiving and inspection processes
• F&B Inventory Control Associate to ensure adequate par levels, inventory and FIFO

General

• Must be at least 21 years old to obtain UMUGC Key Support License (required). Must be able to pass the UMUGC and CG background investigations (no financial crimes or other felonies).
• Must demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Education

• Candidate will ideally possess an associate’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

Experience

• This is a mid-level accounting position; therefore the candidate must demonstrate an accounting background using experience or education. The ideal candidate will have 4-6 years of combined experience/education in accounting or a closely related field. Gaming or tribal experience is preferred.
• Experience may be used as a substitute for education in some cases.

Important Note

• In addition to meeting minimum requirements: education, experience, and certifications must indicate candidate possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to meet all key accountabilities.

Reliability and Positive Attitude

• Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality, demonstrating reliability in fulfilling your role.
• Be willing to work extended hours, irregular schedules, weekends, and holidays as needed to meet business demands.
• Perform other duties and projects, as assigned, showing flexibility and adaptability.
• Attend and actively participate in all company-assigned trainings to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Approach all tasks with a positive attitude, contributing to a pleasant work environment and enhancing guest experiences.

Customer Service Excellence

• Create memorable guest experiences by providing outstanding service that leaves a lasting positive impression on all of UMCH's visitors.
• Always engage by interacting warmly and professionally with all guests, making them feel welcome and valued.
• In every situation, seek to “find a path to yes.”
• Anticipate guest needs and respond promptly to requests, ensuring high levels of satisfaction.

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure seamless service.
• Treat all team members with mutual respect, professionalism, and commit to hold yourself and your team accountable to the UMCH values of Integrity, Team Engagement, Drive to Succeed, and Service Excellence.
• Communicate effectively with team members to coordinate tasks and provide a cohesive entertainment experience.
• Support team members by assisting when needed and sharing responsibilities. Take ownership!

Attention to Detail

• Maintain high standards of quality and presentation in all aspects of your work.
• Follow all established SOPs diligently and with great care.
• Monitor the grounds, equipment, and supplies, promptly reporting any issue to ensure smooth operations and a welcoming environment for our employees and guests.

Communication

• Communicate clearly and professionally with guests, team members, and management.
• Listen actively to guest feedback and concerns, addressing them courteously and effectively.
• Seek to maintain a general knowledge of all events and promotions at the casino and be prepared to communicate such information to customers.

Ethical Conduct

• Uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in all professional activities.
• Adhere to all UMCH policies, procedures. Adhere to all federal, state, and tribal regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate ethical decision-making and behavior in all interactions.

Physical & Mental Requirements / Work Environment

The Purchasing Manager position at Ute Mountain Casino Hotel requires both physical and mental dexterity. Physically, the role primarily involves sedentary work, including extended periods of sitting and computer usage. The ability to occasionally lift or move office supplies up to 50 pounds may be required.

Mentally, this role demands high levels of focus, analytical thinking, and precision. The Purchasing Manager must have excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple financial tasks and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment. This position calls for robust problem-solving skills, efficient decision-making, and the ability to remain composed under pressure. Effective stress management and adaptability to the evolving needs of the gaming industry are crucial. The role also requires maintaining high levels of accuracy and confidentiality in handling financial data.

The ideal candidate should be able to fulfill all physical and mental aspects of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The role is situated in a dynamic 24/7 casino environment, which includes a mix of standard office settings and on-site coordination, sometimes outdoors for special events. Flexibility to work outside regular office hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, is essential to align with the continuous operation of the casino. Adaptability to various settings and readiness to respond to operational needs at any time is crucial in this fast-paced and ever-changing environment.