Director, Procurement and Contracts Management

Overview

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

The Controller's Office is responsible for AARP's enterprise-wide accounting activities. This includes maintaining internal controls; compliance with federal, state, and other legal reporting requirements; grants management; revenue recognition; general ledger activity; accounts payable/receivable; payroll; tax; and procurement functions to include managing strategic outsourcing, contract negotiation and supplier management.

The Director, Procurement and Contract Management (Technical Category Management) directs the category management activities related to the procurement of goods and services for the organization. Directs and implements the procurement policy, process, and procedural guidelines. Directs the execution of enterprise-wide sourcing engagements to include Requests for Proposal (RFP), Requests for Quote (RFQ), and Requests for Information (RFI) processes. Directs the partnership with cross-functional teams to prepare and negotiate procurement contracts, subcontracts, statements of work, and other contractual agreements. Directs the administration of contractual and procurement information system of record. Promotes and directs the inclusion and usage of diverse suppliers in the supply chain. Collaborates with departmental senior leadership and peers to develop long-term procurement strategic plans to position the organization for success.

Responsibilities

• Supports the VP of Procurement & Contract Management in the execution of the strategic vision for the procurement department, while working as an integral part of the leadership team in the establishment and achievement of strategic, tactical, and cultural objectives.
• Directs and implements category management governance including establishing objectives, scope, strategies, tactics, metrics, controls, training, operational transparency, and performance management across multiple subcategories.; Oversees and reviews work products to ensure consistent quality and accuracy.
• Directs, implements, and builds upon core procurement and contract management infrastructure including organizational responsibilities and accountabilities, internal and external business interfaces, communication channels, policies, procedures, workflows, recruiting, mentoring, and structured training and development of personnel.
• Executes, leads and oversees category management activities including strategic sourcing, spend analytics, contracting and contract lifecycle management, negotiation, procurement, service level agreements, and core processes in support of AARP requirements; Collaborates with director-level peers in the department to ensure approach, methodology and procedures are aligned and consistent with the overall vision and direction for the department.
• Researches, evaluates, and remains abreast of emerging procurement and category management trends, technologies, processes, products, services, and leading industry performance benchmarks.
• Directs, monitors, and tracks continuous improvement and corrective action processes in procurement and contract management activities, work products, and tools.
• Maintains regulatory compliance related to procurement and contracting operations, activities, and documentation, including but not limited to management and control of AARP procurement and contracting-related information including MSAs and SOWs.
• Directs, manages, and maintains supplier risk management protocols and ensures compliance with AARP procurement and corporate policies, both across our internal procurement team and within the business units supported.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field; Master's Degree is preferred
• 15+ years of commercial and/or corporate procurement experience including Information Technology category management, strategic sourcing, contract management, and supplier management
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive people management experience, including experience managing nimble, distributed, multi-disciplinary teams
• Well versed in contract issue spotting; highly knowledgeable of contractual legal terms and concepts as well as risk mitigation tactics; expert negotiation skills of both legal and business concerns
• Experience with Oracle Peoplesoft is required, including knowledge and experience with procure-to-pay and source-to- settle processes
• Highly motivated, goal and results oriented, demonstrates a bias for action and disciplined execution
• Politically astute, and able to navigate complex organizations with a demonstrated ability to achieve results through influence in a cross functional, matrixed team environment
• Ability to formulate strategies, document them, and execute them to completion; ability to think creatively, anticipate problems and opportunities, and translate a vision to execution
• Demonstrated conflict management and negotiation skills, including ability to influence and communicate cross-functionally with all levels of management
• Sound experience in troubleshooting and diagnostic methodology involving technical, cross-functional teams
• Ability to collaborate and work well with peers across the department to ensure operational alignment, efficiency, and success
• Preferred certifications include, Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM ) or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition; tuition reimbursement; among others.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.