Purchasing Manager I

Find a career that MOVES you! PODS revolutionized the moving and storage industry 25 years ago. Our innovative approach of providing portable storage containers makes moving more efficient, convenient, and less stressful. We’re not only pioneers of the industry, we’re the leader, too. Under the direction of PODS’ innovative leadership team, the company doubled in size in just two years, and we’re not looking back!

Our people and service define our company, and we set goals for ourselves and each other to improve tomorrow over yesterday. We understand and appreciate the importance of being trustworthy, authentic, and welcoming as we provide our customers the best moving and storage experience. Join a team that offers you the chance to leave your mark, achieve your goals, and love what you do.

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for handling the procurement process, sourcing suppliers and managing supplier relationships to ensure a seamless supply chain and optimize costs. Purchasing Manager also collaborates with cross-functional teams, makes strategic decisions and implements best practices within the procurement function. Other responsibilities include supporting process development and implementation, reporting and communications with other business units as well as the development of a high performance, customer-centric team.

This role is required ONSITE at PODS corporate center in Clearwater, FL (Monday – Thursday, Friday Remote.) In-office presence is important for cultivating a collaborative and innovative work environment. When people are together in the same space, they are more likely to build relationships, share ideas, and solve problems together.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Develops purchasing strategies for certain products and services.
• Reviews purchase requisitions and processes purchase orders.
• Maintains records of goods ordered and received.
• Researches and evaluates vendors to compare pricing and services.
• Negotiates prices and purchase agreements with suppliers.
• Builds and maintains relationships with suppliers.
• Evaluates suppliers based on quality, timeliness, and price.
• Schedules deliveries and ensures timely fulfillment of orders.
• Coordinates with fellow managers to monitor inventory and determine supply needs.
• Ensures quality of procured items and addresses problems when they arise.
• Keeps up with trends in procurement.
• Stays current with purchasing technology trends.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  
  

MANAGEMENT & SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILTIES

• Typically reports to Management. Direct supervisor job title(s) typically include: Dir - Procurement
• Job may be directly responsible for managing other employees (e.g., hiring/termination and/or pay decisions, performance management). Job title example(s) of employees directly supervised: Worker – Storage Center, Tech III – Container Repair; Analyst, Parts & Services.
  
  

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, business administration or other relevant technical field
• 3-5 years of Purchasing or Supply Chain experience
• In-depth knowledge of material shipping/freight policies
• Experience using ERP software with emphasis on purchasing and inventory control functionality. Practical knowledge of Purchasing and P2P practices
• Detail oriented with strong managerial, planning, organization and project management skills.
• Capability to manage multiple projects and prioritize
• Able to mediate differences of opinion and facilitate resolution when conflicts arise
• Can facilitate group discussions for maximum idea generation and problem solving
• Ability to participate actively in cross functional initiatives and projects
• Capable of developing strong partnerships both internally and externally
• Demonstrated knowledge of industry practices and current trends
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop associates
  
  

Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters

Please note that as per PODS policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters are engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening and in alignment with our Inclusive Diversity values. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that PODS will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person, or entity.

• Able to develop best practices in performance management
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience
  
  

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Essential Skills, Abilities and Example Behavior(s)

• BE ANALYTICAL: Able to effectively gather all relevant information; Able to identify key issues; Able to qualitatively and / or quantitatively process data; Able to identify relationships, draw logical conclusions and interpret results for use in decision-making
• COLLABORATE: Able to act as part of a larger team outside of the immediate department or group; Able to understand the importance of working with peers in other areas or management to reach "best practice" solutions for the organization; Able to inform and seek information to anticipate and consider the impact of decisions or actions on the overall organization
• DEMONSTRATE SOUND JUDGMENT: Able to make appropriate decisions and has the vision to understand their impact; Able to use factual information to develop logical assumptions; Able to examine alternatives and consider resources, constraints and risks before committing to action
• DEVELOP OTHERS: Able to provide a challenging and supportive climate that encourages development in the work team; Able to assess the strengths and development needs of staff; Able to actively seek and promote opportunities for the development of others; Able to take an active part in the training and ongoing development of direct reports
• PROVIDE DIRECTION: Able to establish and communicate a common vision; Able to translate company strategy into team goals and objectives; Able to set clear priorities; Able to clarify roles and responsibilities through individual performance plans; Able to make self available for questions
• DELIVER QUALITY RESULTS: Able to deliver top quality service to all customers (internal and external); Able to ensure all details are covered and adhere to company policies; Able to strive to do things right the first time; Able to meet agreed-upon commitments or advises customer when deadlines are jeopardized; Able to define high standards for quality and evaluate products, services, and own performance against those standards
• THINK STRATEGICALLY: Able to see the "big picture" and be future-thinking; Able to anticipate future trends and consequences accurately; Able to take a broad perspective; Able to create a vision of organizational objectives; Able to make decisions based on long-term company goals
• DEVELOP SELF: Able to accurately assess own strengths and development needs; Able to strive to improve those areas identified as needing development; Able to seek opportunity for development
• SOLVE PROBLEMS: Able to apply both rational and creative processes and approaches to identify root causes of problems and solutions through the job, special assignments, training, or external activities
• TAKE INITIATIVE: Able to exhibit tendencies to be self-starting and not wait for signals; Able to be proactive and demonstrate readiness and ability to initiate action; Able to take action beyond what is required and volunteers to take on new assignments; Able to complete assignments independently without constant supervision
• SPEAK COMPETENTLY: Able to speak clearly and concisely; Able to use appropriate vocabulary for the audience; Able to get point across unambiguously and check for understanding
• WRITE PROFICIENTLY: Able to convey information clearly and effectively through both formal and informal documents; Able to write in a well-organized and concise, yet complete, format; Able to use vocabulary appropriate for the audience; Able to constructively review and edit the written work of others
• ORGANIZE: Able to assemble appropriate resources (people, funding, material, support) to get things done; Able to manage multiple activities simultaneously to accomplish goals; Able to schedule and coordinate work of others; Able to establish efficient work procedures to meet objectives; Able to form the right structures and teams to enhance productivity
• PLAN: Able to develop short- and long-term operational and / or financial plans that are appropriately comprehensive, realistic, and effective in achieving goals; Able to anticipate obstacles and define alternate strategies; Able to integrate planning efforts across work units
• BE PROFESSIONAL: Able to project a positive, professional image with both internal and external business contacts; Able to create a positive first impression; Able to gain respect and trust of others through personal image and demeanor
• PROFICIENT COMPUTER USER: Able to keyboard, navigate a desktop, type, perform data entry and use required software applications to produce basic correspondence, electronic communication, presentations and maintain spreadsheets and databases. Able to operate general office equipment including company telephone system