Director of Purchasing

Job Description:

Please Read*

For consideration, please contact our search partner, Ken McGovern, President of KMR Executive Search LLC, at or (860) 404-2526.

DIVISION: Finance

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Purchasing is responsible for strategic and operational leadership of the Purchasing and Central Receiving functions. The Director leads the development and implementation of University-wide procurement strategies that align with the University mission and goals. In addition to managing complex sourcing initiatives, the director oversees and directly contributes to contract review, supplier relationships, risk management, internal control discipline, P-Card administration, and the procurement of goods and services in accordance with prescribed University policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION OF PERSONNEL:

DIRECT

INDIRECT

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Strategy & Leadership: In conjunction with the CFO and other Senior Leadership, responsible to formulate the direction, goals, and policies for procurement of the Institution. Translate strategic objectives into tactical business plans and operational processes.

2. Cost Savings & Value: Identify ethical cost reduction opportunities, optimize spending, and ensure maximum value from supplier relationships.

3. Vendor & Contract Management: Oversee sourcing initiatives and bidding (RFPs/RFIs/RFQs), vendor selection, negotiations, contract review, onboarding, and performance monitoring. Establish and maintain an open line of communication and effective working relationship with existing and potential suppliers. Responsible for investigating new sources of goods and services to obtain and maintain competitive pricing.

4. Operations: Manage (plan, prioritize, assign) procurement and Central Receiving operations and staff, and ensure operational excellence and timely completion of processes/workflow. Train and support the University community in all aspects of requisitioning and purchasing processes/modules.

5. Compliance & Risk: Ensure adherence to all University policies. Minimize financial, legal, and reputational risk to the University.

6. Process Improvement: Streamline procurement processes, implement best practice, and leverage technology for efficiency and compliance.

8. Team Management: Train, mentor, and develop Purchasing and Central Receiving staff to foster professional growth and develop a high-performance, service-oriented culture. Set performance goals, supervise, and conduct annual performance reviews.

9. Stakeholder Collaboration: Responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with departments/stakeholders throughout the University.

10. Growth and Development of the Department:

Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within the department. Serve as a committee representative in professional organizations such as National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) and Connecticut Colleges Purchasing Group (CCPG). Promote an image of efficiency and courtesy throughout the University community.

11. Performs other related duties as directed.

Duties may be changed and/or be added at any time.

Please Read*

For consideration, please contact our search partner, Ken McGovern, President of KMR Executive Search LLC, at or (860) 404-2526.

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Category:

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.

The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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