Purchasing Manager jobs in Akron, OH

At CoreTrust, our mission is to redefine procurement by maximizing value through an efficient on-demand marketplace and community. We envision a prosperous world connected by seamless digital trade and we value building connections, acting nimbly, pioneering exploration, demonstrating fortitude, and driving impact. Working alongside 3,000 member companies, we compliment sourcing bandwidth with best-in-class GPO contracts and custom sourced solutions to meet individual needs.   

EasiBuy, a division of CoreTrust, provides managed custom sourcing services in both the public and private sector. EasiBuy works with its members and clients to analyze, develop, and execute cost savings initiatives in a fully managed solution. In many cases we work as an extension of our members and buying agencies procurement team and become intimately involved in their bid processes. EasiBuy has developed a proprietary eRFX & eRA platform and process that delivers transparency, cost savings and efficiency. 

To support our rapid growth, we’re seeking a dynamic Senior Contract Manager. 

Reporting to the VP of Easibuy, you will play a critical role in the execution of the custom sourcing services. A strong candidate will bring experience and knowledge in the procurement process and developing sourcing events to include supplier qualifications, financial modeling, and evaluation models to meet goals & initiatives. Demonstrating a high ceiling for adaptability and learning, you will exercise judgment in selecting and/or adapting methods for obtaining goals – bringing a new perspective on leveraging existing solutions to solve complex problems.  

Responsibilities

• Develop market analysis and execute the sourcing strategy to achieve objectives 
• Command thorough understanding and accountability for the sourcing process for assigned portfolio including market research, bid preparation, RFI, Strategy Development & Validation, RFP, Contract Negotiations, and contract launch 
• Ensure suppliers successfully participate in sourcing events within the platform 
• Build strong relationships with supplier contacts and oversee supplier relationship during the sourcing process   
• Grow internal cross-functional relationships through frequent interaction with all levels, including executive, and focusing on sales leaders 
• Serve as the custom sourcing process subject matter expert 
• Facilitate conversations with clients to understand their procurement process 
• Communicate with internal functional teams to facilitate supplier qualifications, bid modeling, and evaluation models to meet goals 
• Communication of bid process, negotiation status, agreement on terms, financial proposal concerns and other matters with supplier and internal team 
• Engage customers, through one-on-one conversations, to articulate business strategy and resolve customer specific issues/concerns with contracting strategy or outcome 
• Collaborate with strategic sourcing analysts on assessing supplier proposals, product/price loading, and execution of the bids 
• Collaborate with account management in their customer-facing duties  
• Collaborate with customers and their supply chain/executive leadership 
• Meet or exceed financial & operational goals in the annual contracting plan with sourcing events 
• Maintain timely achievement of all assigned sourcing initiatives ensuring activities adhere to all established policies and procedures and standards of business conduct 
• Resolve supplier and/or customer issues, as escalated 
• Maintain strong internal and external customer relationships and build trust and respect by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations 

Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant work experience, ideally including strategic sourcing via reverse auction platforms 
• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field preferred (Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Finance), or equivalent work experience 
• Experience with strategic sourcing in both public and private sector, including contract negotiation 
• Adept at reading situations and adapting strategies or negotiations as necessary throughout the sourcing process 
• Ability to plan and execute project timelines for custom sourcing events efforts with some oversight 
• Demonstrated competence in organizational ability and attention to detail 
• Ability to execute project planning priorities, create and manage work plans and timelines for multiple sourcing projects, and finalize negotiations in the timeframe designated for the project 
• Possesses strong analytical skills with the ability to create or interpret potentially complex financial models 
• Keen awareness of market and supplier dynamics, leveraging insights for optimal outcomes 
• Comprehend, and interpret complex instructions, proposals, and contract language 
• Quickly comprehend the desired end-result, goal, or objective as communicated by executive management and take action to accomplish 
• Working proficiency with MS Office Suite 
• Excellent oral, written communication skills, and presentation skills; polished presentation skills required when interfacing with supplier and customer executives 
• Formal negotiation training preferred 
• Professional certifications preferred – CPSM or other industry specific certification(s) 

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package 
• Free individual employee medical coverage 
• Company subsidized dental and vision coverage 
• Dollar for dollar 401(k) match up to 6% of your salary with immediate vesting 
• Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage 
• Employee Assistance Program to support your wellbeing and mental health 
• $1500 annual stipend for undergraduate/graduate college courses; $500 annual stipend for continuing education courses/certifications 
• Free snacks and beverages on-site
• Brand new, state-of-the-art, tech-enabled work environment in downtown Nashville
• Flexible/hybrid work culture