The Procurement Manager is a strategic leader responsible for building and managing a high performing procurement function that supports a multi-state portfolio of schools, clinical programs, and corporate operations. This role oversees the full lifecycle of procurement—from forecasting and sourcing to vendor management and cost optimization—ensuring the organization to operate efficiently, compliantly, and at scale.
This leader will drive procurement strategy, standardization, and process improvement while developing strong vendor partnerships and delivering measurable cost savings. The Procurement Manager will also mentor and manage a Purchasing Coordinator, establishing structure, accountability, and growth within the procurement function
Key Responsibilities
Procurement Strategy + Optimization
- Develop and execute a centralized procurement strategy aligned with organizational growth and operational needs
- Analyze historical purchasing data to forecast demand across campuses, departments, and programs
- Identify opportunities for cost savings, standardization, and bulk purchasing efficiencies
- Establish procurement policies, controls, and best practices to support scalability and consistency
Vendor Sourcing + Relationship Management
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard vendors across multiple categories (Facilities products, FF&E, paper goods, office supplies, classroom supplies, etc.)
- Lead contract negotiations to secure favorable pricing, terms, and service levels
- Build and maintain strategic vendor partnerships to ensure reliability, quality, and responsiveness
- Continuously evaluate vendor performance and implement improvements where needed
Procurement Operations + Execution
- Oversee the end-to-end procurement process from requisition through delivery and reconciliation
- Ensure timely, accurate, and cost-effective fulfillment of all purchasing needs
- Partner with internal stakeholders to align purchasing with operational priorities and timelines
- Resolve discrepancies, delays, or service issues with urgency and professionalism
New Location Openings
- Create new location opening budgets
- Purchase and track all items required for new locations
- Provide onsite support for new locations post-opening as needed, ensuring smooth transition into operations
- Support communication and coordination with internal teams and external partners related to openings
- Communicate delivery details to the appropriate departments
Inventory + Demand Planning
- Collaborate cross-functionally to monitor inventory levels and anticipate future needs
- Implement systems and processes to reduce waste, prevent shortages, and improve visibility
- Support multi-location inventory planning with a focus on efficiency and cost control
Financial Oversight + Reporting
- Track procurement spends, identify trends, and report on cost-saving initiatives
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes with accurate purchasing data
- Ensure alignment with financial goals and cost control strategies
Systems, Compliance + Process Improvement
- Ensure compliance with all internal policies, financial controls, and regulatory requirements
- Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, and documentation
- Leverage systems (e.g., NetSuite) to improve visibility, reporting, and efficiency
- Continuously refine procurement workflows to support a high-growth environments
Cross-Functional + Organizational Support
- Partner with Facilities, Operations, Finance, and Program Leadership to support new site openings and ongoing operational needs
- Support procurement for capital projects, expansions, and special initiatives
- Operate within EOS, ensuring accountability through structured meetings, scorecards, and deliverables
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field
- 5+ years of progressive procurement experience, preferably in a multi-site or high-growth environment
- Demonstrated experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts
- Prior experience leading or mentoring team members preferred
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in procurement and ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite
- Knowledge of compliance, purchasing controls, and financial processes
- Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environment
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures.
- Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
- Ability to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
- Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
- Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
- Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
- Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
- Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations
Benefits for Full Time Employees
Gersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your personal and professional growth.
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k matching)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- Training & Development