MANAGER, PURCHASING PROCESSES (Quality, SQA & Training)

Job Description

The Manager of Purchasing Processes will excel in most or all of the following key areas: application of procurement metrics; negotiation; department leadership; organizational development; cross-enterprise integration; procurement resource management and development; and stakeholder relationship management.

- Position will report to the Vice President, Purchasing – North America.
- Ensure that the purchasing needs of all Michelin North America (MNA) business units are met by fostering strong working relationships and business partnerships with business unit heads.
- Ensure that purchasing “best practices”, leading edge purchasing methodology, and creative solutions are introduced and integrated into output/recommendations.
- Ensure optimal customer service is provided to all MNA functional areas; facilitate changes to processes as needed; participate in the planning and implementation of strategic goals for the entire Purchasing management team.
- Elevate the professional image of the purchasing function in the opinion of MNA business units.
- Assess existing procurement systems/procedures/philosophies (including measurement methodology) for insight and opportunities for potential improvement; develop a thorough understanding of what the company buys, and from whom they buy it. Introduce and implement “best practices” into the procurement function that focus on results rather than methods, means or processes.
- Plan, coordinate a communications plan to inform users about procurement process initiatives, procedures and impact.
- Identify training needs for staff; provide or secure training for team members; strengthen the mix and level of skills within the team.
- Ensure all product/material/service purchases meet defined quality standards and monitor internal customer satisfaction with procurement services.
- Develop/improve quality approaches for internal processes and relationships with suppliers.

Education:
Four-year degree in Business Administration, Finance or a technical subject area. A master’s degree in Business Administration or other evidence of substantial business knowledge, such as the attainment of Certified Purchasing Management (CPM) or Kaizan or Six Sigma process improvement methodologies is highly desirable.

Job Requirements

 Qualifications:
At least ten to twelve years of overall business experience with at least seven years of progressive experience in managing functions and commodities in procurement/purchasing of materials or services. Five or more years of direct management experience of procurement professionals is desirable.
Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with business principles and techniques of administration, organization and procurement management. Experience with managing progressive procurement functions. Ideal candidate should have a track record of enhancing the procurement function as measured by lower total long-term savings, improved delivery, and the implementation of successful sourcing strategies.

Proven skills:
Leadership; project execution; analysis; problem solving skills; building and maintaining relationships with constituent business units and internal staff; written and verbal communication; and negotiating with both internal and external groups.

Personal qualities:
Strong personal work ethic; capacity for hard work; honest and straightforward demeanor; highest personal and professional ethics; above average business judgment and acumen; collaborative work skills; ability to relate well to people within and outside the organization; willingness to travel and accept international assignments over the course of a career.

The right candidate will fit the pattern of other successful Michelin employees who look for and prefer long-term career challenges and opportunities within the company over short-term career and compensation gains.