Purchasing Manager, Administration & Support - Overland Park, KS

Manages Purchasing & Materials related administrative functions, including supplier quality, supplier performance management, new supplier setup, contract administration & associated document management.  Ensures that supplier setup and Master Services Agreements are handled in a timely fashion to meet field Team Member expectations.

Supports Purchasing & Materials team in developing purchasing policy and procedure documentation. Collaborates closely with Watco’s legal team to interpret contract language, review policy and guidance, assess risk, and to provide direction and support to Watco team members as needed.  Coordinates and tracks purchasing related ESG initiatives to enhance Watco’s impact on the communities we serve.  Reviews and enhances administrative processes to reduce overall workload while ensuring protections for Watco.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, track, and monitor contracts and documents using standard document management programs to register documents, maintain databases, and produce logs, transmittals, and other reports as required.
• Implement contract administration and document management solutions with a primary focus on document control and records management.
• Ensure company personnel are knowledgeable about contract administration/document management principles and requirements; assist with the development and implementation of related training.
• Perform / Manage supplier setup function for new Watco Suppliers.  Review process for opportunities to streamline. 
• Support Catalog Manager and help improve effectiveness of Watco’s internal catalog and punchout catalogs.
• Support overall supply base management process with appropriate reporting and tracking of strategic and critical suppliers. (i.e. lead times, late deliveries, quality, price competitiveness)
• Lead supplier quality effort to address issues as they occur and lead effort to ensure suppliers meet Watco’s expectation of quality products and services.
• Lead / Coordinate ESG initiatives including, supplier diversity, environmental initiatives, and appropriate corporate governance.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and projects as requested

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of master service agreements, large scale construction contracts, supplier agreements, goods and/or services purchase contracts, and associated documentation and requirements.
• Knowledge and experience in implementing Continuous Improvement
• Knowledge and experience in writing and implementing Policies and Procedures
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to create timely, accurate and succinct written communications; ability to share information and ideas with others.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to work with senior management, mid-level management and end-users.
• Excellent business judgement: ability to quickly build business acumen to help serve the needs of the organization and influence leaders in newly established contract administration practices.
• Experience managing others and experience in project management would be a huge plus.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks to ensure timely completion.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and enterprise content/records management systems, electronic records handling, imaging, and emerging technologies.

Education and Experience

• College degree required.  Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Information Management, Business Law or related degree is preferred.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in contract management, purchasing experience preferred.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred
• Experience with purchasing, data management, IT systems, and business systems is a plus, i.e. SAP, Coupa, OpenText

Work Environment

• Travel is required approximately 20% of time
• The team member in this Position is required to lift/exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally

Other Physical Requirements

• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) (Steel Toed Boots, Goggles, Ear Plugs, Gloves and other PPE)