IDEA Public Schools Careers

Role Mission: The Child Nutrition Program (CNP) Procurement Manager role is a member of the Finance & Procurement team within the Child Nutrition Program and is responsible for ensuring that all services and products are procured in a manner compliant with the United States Department of Agriculture guidelines and the state agencies with oversight. This role reports to the CNP Assistant Director of Procurement and has other responsibilities that include but are not limited to: ensures all CNP contracts are compliant with federal, state and local procurement guidelines throughout the year and or year over year, directs the execution of the contract reviews and approval process, provide the highest level of customer satisfaction, holding awarded vendors accountable for terms and conditions, and addressing service deficiencies, attending local, state and federal trainings as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• May supervise line staff that can include such as Procurement Analyst, Interns, temporary staff, and indirectly supervises CNP campus managers with respect to departmental procurement operations.

Location:

This is a full-time (remote/on-site) position based in Texas with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:

• Able to travel approximately 15% of time throughout the year, with a focus on supporting new campus & new region launch

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• In coordination with the Director of Finance and Procurement and the Assistant Director of Procurement, lead departmental efforts to ensure all purchasing and contracts meet federal, state, local and organizational compliance. 15%
• Leads renewal process for school contracts on schedule in collaboration with Assistant Director of Procurement, Procurement Analyst(s), and Business Office Contracts team 15%
• Lead vendor evaluations periodically from stakeholders and liaison with contracted vendors in effort to enhance customer satisfaction. 15%
• Manage and assist with vendor complaints submitted by internal customers and ensure satisfactory resolution.10%
• Support in the development and implementation of procurement control measures that position us to minimize or eliminate audit findings, internally and externally. 10%
• Develop and deliver professional development training that bridges gaps in compliance or quality of service.5%
• Ensures that by the first day of school the following is completed: Essential commodities and services are procured, contracted vendor information and documentation is up to date, contracts signed and state and local IDEA purchasing policies and procedures are updated and distributed. 10%
• Collaborates with Assistant Director in strategic planning on execution of contracts and requirements for BOY. 5%
• Collaborate on the improvement of the cafeteria manager in training program and manager pipeline program.5%
• Review departmental job satisfaction survey results and develop strategy for continuous improvement. 5%
• Attend conferences and seminars relating to their scope of work and or as directed by their manager. 5%

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Understanding of state and federal procurement regulations as they apply to school districts.
• Knowledge of state audit processes for internal, external, single audits and state audit reviews
• High degree to attention to detail which includes understanding terms and conditions of all forms of contracts.
• Demonstrates a high level of emotional awareness
• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy (i.e. Microsoft Office); Proficient Excel software experience required
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions which includes internalizing feedback and correcting, as needed.
• Strong analytical skills with ability of converting raw data into meaningful analysis and recommendations
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and be self-motivated.
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills.
• Business awareness and knowledge of management practices.
• Able to travel approximately 15% of time throughout the year, with a focus on supporting new campus & new region launch

What You Bring – Competencies

Knowledge and Skills:

• Mission Focus- focuses on IDEA’s core purpose of getting all students to college
• Record of Results – holds high expectations for self and others to achieve and surpass intended goals
• Manage Others to Deliver Results-leverages relationships to build and reinforce IDEA's culture and invests others in big goals
• Problem Solving – able to synthesize, analyze, and prioritize data and opportunities to develop strategies for achieving quantifiable goals
• Coaching & Developing – develops team through formal and informal methods; makes professional development a top priority
• Communication – effectively conveys information using a variety of channels and techniques
• Continuous Improvement – proactively identifies opportunities to improve and consistently reflects on past actions to guide future decisions

Required experience:

• Education: Bachelor Degree in business administration, public administation, or finance.
• Experience: 3+ years of direct experience in procurement or purchasing roles which can be but not limited to: Buyer, procurement analyst, contract manager, or procurement administrator role

Preferred experience:

• Education: Master Degree preferred in Business Administration or Public Administration
• Experience Preferred: Minimum of 1 Year in Child Nutrition Program

Physical Requirements:

- Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
- Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to walk short distances, and/or drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials.
- Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to lift and small carry parcels, packages and other items, to walk short distances, and drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials.
- Predominantly operates in an office environment. Some work (less than 5%) requires moving and lifting of supplies, packages

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $68,886 and $79,908, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA 

At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values