Interim Purchasing Director: eProcurement Implementation

Role: Interim Director of Purchasing – eProcurement/ERP Implementation Functional Lead

Rate: $200/hr (1099 Contract)

Duration: 6-12 months (possible extension)

Location: Remote (limited travel for steering sessions, testing, deployment, etc)

Our Client is seeking an experienced procurement leader to serve as the Interim Director of Purchasing during a major procurement system modernization effort. This contractor will drive strategy, execution, and governance for the purchasing function while supporting the implementation and deployment of a new ERP/e-procurement platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day purchasing operations during transition, ensuring continuity across sourcing, vendor management, and contracting.
• Serve as the primary functional lead for the procurement system implementation, including requirements validation, design workshops, configuration feedback, testing, deployment readiness, and user adoption.
• Update and streamline procurement policies, processes, controls, and documentation to align with future-state system capabilities.
• Oversee vendor selection, negotiations, contract renewals, and supplier performance tracking.
• Collaborate with Finance, IT, and departmental leaders to define purchasing requirements and drive consistent, compliant processes.
• Provide coaching and direction to procurement staff and business users to ensure readiness for go-live and post-deployment stabilization.
• Deliver executive-level reporting on procurement performance, implementation progress, risks, and decision needs.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of full-cycle procurement experience with strong command of sourcing, contracting, and supplier management.
• Proven experience leading or supporting ERP/e-procurement system implementations (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Infor, Workday, Coupa, Jaggaer, etc.).
• Strong understanding of procurement controls, documentation, workflow design, and integration with accounting/finance.
• Ability to influence executives, facilitate workshops, manage stakeholders, and operate effectively in a fast-moving implementation environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and vendor-facing skills.
• Ability to travel occasionally (generally 10-15%) for steering, testing, deployment, or vendor engagements.

Preferred

• Experience in government, tribal government, public sector, or regulated environments.
• Background strengthening procurement organizations during transformation or ERP upgrades.