Procurement Director (Job ID: 2021-2546)

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The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy.

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.

The Office of Financial Service (OFS) is dedicated to supporting the mission of Brookings by ensuring and enhancing its financial health and promoting financial efficiency and innovation. We accomplish this by safeguarding the institution’s assets, stewarding donor contributions and providing quality and client-driven service characterized by professionalism, integrity, reliability, transparency, accountability, expertise, and above all else – respectfulness and fairness. OFS is comprised of Accounting, Financial Planning and Management, Financial Operations and Investments. 

Financial Operations is responsible for Procurement and the general operations of OFS which includes policies, project management, administration, staffing and internal communications.

Please note: This position is based in Brookings' Washington, DC office. In response to COVID-19, Brookings staff are temporarily teleworking. The person hired for this position must be willing to move to or currently reside in Washington DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia by their date of hire. 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Procurement Director oversees all aspects of procurement at the Brookings Institution and is responsible for developing and executing the procurement strategy focused on delivering best in class procurement services to its research programs and business units. This is a key role in the Office of Financial Services and a unique opportunity to build out a successful strategy and effective processes around procurement.

The Director will partner with research programs and business unit staff on their procurement needs, strategies, and plan best options. S/he will develop and maintain a deep knowledge base and understanding of vendor spend across Brookings to inform sourcing and purchasing decisions. The Director will develop strategic partnerships with vendors, build preferred vendor lists, develop savings programs, lead contract negotiations and identify cost saving opportunities throughout our business.

This position leads the effort to develop a comprehensive set of internal guidelines on policies, processes and best practices for procurement, vendor management and travel. This position will be responsible for identifying opportunities to streamline processes and develop tools to enhance purchasing effectiveness. The Director is responsible for procurement related functions within the enterprise resource planning ERP systems, including organizational transitions to new software.

This position collaborates with and provides guidance to staff across Brookings on all matters related to procurement. The Director is responsible for designing, developing and delivering effective trainings to build, expand and enhance the procurement capacity at the Institution.

This is a key role in the Office of Financial Services, reporting to the Senior Director, Financial Operations and provides leadership and direction to the Procurement team.

Spend Management (40%)

• Coordinates and streamlines procurement activities across Brookings to identify economies of scale and opportunities for savings.
• Establishes and maintains measurable performance metrics for all levels of procurement activities; develops reports and analytics on spend.
• Develops and maintains preferred vendors and strategic contracts for the organization.
• Supports research programs and business units with vendor selection, contract development, negotiations and RFPs/RFQs.
• Coordinate with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) in supporting the drafting, negotiating, and review of contracts. Supports the OGC's development and management of contract templates. 
• Regularly reviews contracts pursuant to Brookings policies and procedures. Supports the negotiation, drafting of major transactional agreements and documents.
• Oversees the administration of the Purchasing Card (Pcard) program, including increasing the annual revenue share.
• Serves as a thought leader, advisor and subject matter expert to Brookings staff in all aspects of procurement and purchasing.

Systems Development and Process Improvements (35%)

• Leads the effort to develop a comprehensive set of internal guidelines on policies, processes and best practices for procurement, vendor management and travel.
• Oversees execution of PeopleSoft (or later ERP systems) procurement-related daily and monthly processes.
• Oversees the administration and utilization of Concur (the organization’s travel and expense system) and Tealbook (our vendor sourcing tool) to ensure maximum effectiveness; keeps abreast of planned enhancements and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Serves as Procurement Subject Matter Expert on the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project; provides analysis and design leadership, develops requirements, leads user acceptance testing and serves as primary knowledge leader post implementation.
• Identifies opportunities to streamline processes and develops tools and/or templates to enhance purchasing effectiveness.
• Develops and implements effective processes and procedures to reduce or eliminate risk.
• Other duties as assigned.

Training and Capacity Building (15%)

• Leads the design and development of effective trainings on procurement and travel.
• Provides training to staff across the Institution on procurement, vendor management, travel and compliance.
• Builds and maintains strong collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensures compliance of established policies and procedures through the enforcement of appropriate internal controls.

Team Leadership (10%)

• In consultation with Senior Director, Financial Operations, directs development of short- and long-term strategy, goals and priorities for the team.
• Accountable for the team’s outcomes and responsible for the workload assignments and productivity monitoring.
• Establish an excellent customer service standard in the team.
• Trains and mentors Procurement Generalist to support individual outcomes, professional development and cross-function collaboration.

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; master’s degree preferred. Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience required. Expert knowledge in procurement best-practices, contract development, negotiations and travel program management. Experience with Federal procurement laws/regulations preferred. Experience at a non-profit organization required. Training experience required.

Experience with large-scale ERP systems, development of procurement tools and mapping of processes required. Experience with PeopleSoft desired. Experience with implementing a new ERP system desired. Solid experience in developing and managing business processes.  Knowledge of system implementation and project management; change management experience is a value-add. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Excellent organizational skills, strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills. Must be flexible and capable of working in a fast-paced environment with shifting and competing priorities. Keen attention to detail. Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment, keeping multiple priorities moving and not losing track of details.

Must have a strong understanding of GAAP and fund accounting, as well as a strong understanding of how business transactions are recorded into the financial records of an organization. Advanced Excel skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint); excellent PowerPoint and chart creation skills. Ability to develop and manage databases and develop reporting from large datasets, including building Pivot Tables; ability to manipulate data sets from financial systems. Knowledge of financial performance metrics and indices.

Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff throughout the organization.  Excellent customer service skills. Proven negotiation skills, including the ability to negotiate effectively, make sound decisions and apply creative problem solving.

Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to manage and motivate a team, including ability to lead staff and promote productivity in a diverse work environment. Ability to interact effectively with staff and vendors at all levels as well as ability to work independently and as member of a team. Ability to mentor and guide professional growth and development for the procurement team.

Extreme honesty and discretion required, with the ability to appropriately handle confidential information.

Additional Information:

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings.

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.