Highlights of Director of Procurement Position

The Director of Procurement provides leadership, direction and expertise in contract and procurement services that ensure quality products and services are purchased in a cost effective, efficient and ethical manner. These duties require strategic planning skills, visionary leadership, a comprehensive knowledge of industry trends, advanced technology applications involving e-commerce, and the ability to work collegially and collaboratively with diverse audiences throughout organization. The Director is responsible for the creation and implementation of non fuel/resale policies and procedures. This position reports to the Sr. Vice President, Operations.

Job Location

South Central US

Key Responsibilities of Director of Procurement Position

Procurement Strategy & Processes. In cooperation and consultation with Senior Management, formulate and manage a corporate strategy that leverages the scope and volume of the Company’s fleet equipment, non-fuel, non-resale supply, and maintenance requirements in order to improve terms and reduce cost. Successfully organize and implement a purchase order system within the SAP system on a corporate-wide basis, and manage the system and processes effectively on an on-going basis. Analyze, assess, and anticipate past performance and future trends by business channel, vendor, and region, and effectively report such analysis, assessments, and forecasts to Senior Management as required. Serve as key planner and contributor in the annual budgeting process.

Supplier Management. Manage all aspects of supplier relations including identification of prospective vendors, interviewing, selection and monitoring of same. Leverage the size and scope of the Company’s operations to successfully negotiate to lower the cost of equipment, materials, and supplies. Establish purchase controls and tracking sufficient to safeguard the best interests of the Company while assuring the timely and accurate entry of all required data in the accounting system. Develop and implement processes to achieve the best possible quality, reliability, prices, continuity, service and delivery.

Operations & Fleet Purchasing. Organize and manage the day-to-day procurement of non-fuel- non-resale purchases including the implementation of a “repair desk” to authorize the purchase of parts, labor, and supplies for the Company’s on-going fleet operations on a timely basis. Initiate purchases of initial inventory for new facilities. Manage the disposition of obsolete and surplus equipment in coordination with Accounting.

Qualifications and/or Requirements

Education and Experience

A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance or related field, 5+ years of progressive purchasing experience with at least 3 years of management experience. Transportation background is preferred. Requires well developed analytical, communications and presentation skills. Must also possess a good working knowledge of business law concepts and legal aspects of contract administration and purchasing best practices. Must be an effective communicator in both written and oral form. Experience with SAP and Purchase Order implementation and processes is preferred.

Critical Success Factors

Business Knowledge/Intelligence. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the roles, relationships and systems across multiple functions and the desire to improve processes to the advantage of customers and the organization. Knowledgeable about how organizations function; knows how to get things done both through formal channels and the informal network. Demonstrates intellectual horsepower in dealing with complex challenges. Demonstrates consistent intellectual sharpness, agility and capability. Learns quickly and on the fly and grasps the essence of the underlying organizational structure.

Teamwork. Contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of cooperation, pride, trust and group identity; demonstrates an understanding of broad team goals and works effectively with others to achieve goals; Demonstrates ability to build and maintain positive and productive working relationships across a broad range of people and groups. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs, feelings and capabilities of different people in different situations; is tactful and treats others with respect; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences. Seeks the advice/counsel of supervisor or other managers as appropriate.

Customer Focus. Demonstrated ability to effectively work with clients, customers, and partners to accurately assess needs, provide information or assistance, resolve problems, or satisfy requirements; demonstrated knowledge of and interest in the business, products and customers and commitment to providing exceptional service and support to customers. Excellent communicator.

Resourcefulness and Flexibility. Open to change and new information; adapts behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; adjusts rapidly to new situations warranting attention and resolution; Self managed and self-motivated. Can identify what needs to be done and does it. Demonstrates appropriate good judgment in balancing customer needs with business needs. Seeks opportunities to expand responsibilities within the context of the job and to help out others. Demonstrates frustration tolerance. Maintains composure and professionalism when faced with unexpected problems or difficult situations.

Individual Effectiveness. Demonstrates consistency in development and enhancement of personal business skills and habits needed to communicate effectively and honestly, manage time and stress, and attract others to well reasoned and logical points of view. Uses time in the most effective and productive way, properly assessing and utilizing priorities in time allocation; controls distractions that waste time and break work flow. Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of these decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, that support accomplishment of organizational goals.

Problem Solving. Demonstrates ability to solve a variety of problems with immediate and effective solutions; asks good questions to isolate problems and probes all fruitful sources for answers; can look beyond the obvious and does not stop at the first answer. Knows when to solve problems on own and when to consult others for support. Can differentiate a small problem from a large one and take appropriate action. Does not get sidetracked by trivial details. Uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and make recommendations.

Performance. Understands the goals of the organization and sets and achieves ambitious goals that are consistent with the goals of the organization. Understands company policies and works within them to achieve customer satisfaction. Measures right things & consistently achieves results. Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers in the organization; very bottom line oriented and strategically focused; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.

Learns Continuously. Embraces new and diverse ideas. Avidly pursues positive change in self and organization. Is reflective; extracts learning from failure. Maximizes success in all endeavors. Is flexible in changing and ambiguous situations. Builds own personal development plan to acquire/advance skills. Supports others in their learning and development. Shares learning broadly.

About the Author:

The Teldar Group is an Executive Search and Recruiting Firm specializing in placing professionals in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Purchasing, Logistics and Supply Chain positions.

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