Director, Procurement

Want to be a bswifter?

bswift's successful creation of an online benefits enrollment / administration system has provided a simple, intuitive, and engaging experience for both employers and their employees.

Located in downtown Chicago, bswift offers software and services that streamline benefits, HR and payroll administration for employers and public and private exchanges nationwide.

bswift's state-of-the-art cloud-based technology and outsourcing solutions significantly reduce administrative costs and time-consuming paperwork, making life easier for administrators and millions of consumers who manage their benefits with bswift.

We're looking for motivated and goal-driven team members who can do what it takes to make a company great. The reward is a fun, flexible and creative environment with ample opportunity for professional and personal growth.

If you love the bswift values of pursue excellence, embrace accountability, deliver superior service, and be a great place to work, we want to hear from you!

The purpose of this position is to manage strategic and tactical procurement activities for various categories of spend. The Procurement Director will also be expected to be an interface with functional groups such as Operations, IT, Marketing, HR, and Finance.

The Procurement Director is responsible for overseeing the procurement process, ensuring cost-effective purchasing of all goods and services, while maintaining high standards of quality and supplier reliability.

This role involves developing and implementing procurement strategies, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance with company policies and relevant regulations.

The Procurement Director will also work closely with cross-functional teams to support organizational goals and drive continuous improvement in procurement operations and the career development of the procurement department team.

This position will report to the Company Controller.

Procurement Director Responsibilities

• Strategic Procurement Management :
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their procurement needs.
• Working with internal business partners, develop and implement procurement strategies to optimize cost savings and operational efficiency.
• Monitor market trends, competitor strategies, and market suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and quality.
• Lead initiatives to source new suppliers and develop existing supplier relationships.
• Supplier / Vendor Management :
• Manage relationships with key suppliers to ensure high levels of service, quality, and compliance.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing agreements with suppliers, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality assurance.
• Conduct supplier performance evaluations and ensure ongoing risk management and mitigation.
• In partnership with operations, monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues or disputes that may arise.
• Procurement Operations :
• Oversee the procurement lifecycle, including requisitions, purchase orders, and compliance.
• Ensure timely and cost-efficient delivery of goods and services.
• Optimize procurement processes and implement technology solutions to improve efficiency.
• Manage the contract approval, exception, and re-negotiation / renewal processes.
• Educate end users on process for new suppliers / contracts; track and ensure compliance with approved contracts.
• Lead stakeholder reviews with Senior and Executive Leadership as well as business leaders for high value contracts.
• Respond timely to vendor information reporting as required by client contracts.
• Create and publish procurement policies and procedures.
• Performance Management :
• Track procurement savings, KPIs, and financial performance, reporting to senior management.
• Ensure alignment with overall financial strategies to improve profit margins.
• Develop, update, and report on Service Level Agreements, including distribution of metrics to Senior Leadership. Identify root causes of issues and drive to efficient resolution.
• Compliance and Risk Management :
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, industry standards, and legal requirements.
• Lead initiatives to mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring business continuity.
• Work closely with Legal and Infosec departments to ensure contract terms are in compliance with company standards.
• Provide timely support for System and Organization Controls (SOC) audits and manage quarterly vendor reviews.
• Team Leadership and Development :
• Lead and develop a high-performing procurement team, providing mentorship, training, and performance management.
• Foster collaboration between procurement, finance, operations, and other key business functions.
• Manage and mentor the procurement team (2 reports), providing guidance and support to achieve organizational goals.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation within the procurement function.

Required Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 12 - 15 years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain management with at least 3 - 5 years in a management role.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale procurement activities and supplier relationships.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience negotiating with and managing supply relationships with vendors in the technology industry; including an understanding of contract law in the technology industry.
• Establishing appropriate procure-to-pay policies, processes and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Professional certification such as CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager), CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management), or equivalent.
• Experience in global procurement and supply chain management.
• Knowledge of sustainability and ethical procurement practices.

Key Competencies :

• Leadership : Ability to inspire and lead a diverse team toward achieving operational excellence. Leadership and team management skills, including mentoring and counseling.
• Analytical Thinking : Strong ability to analyze data and make informed decisions to optimize procurement processes.
• Communication : Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Problem-Solving : Ability to identify challenges within the supply chain and develop strategic solutions.
• Negotiation : Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and conditions with suppliers.
• Adaptability : Ability to manage ambiguity and adapt to changing business needs.

Work Environment :

Remote-first. Minimal travel may be required.

Compensation :

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and retirement plans.

Standard working hours are 8am-5pm Central Time, unless otherwise stated in the Job Description.

In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position is $135,000-165,000, exclusive of fringe benefits or potential bonuses.

If you are hired at bswift, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and / or experience.

In addition to those factors - we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer.

Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future & continued salary growth.

We also offer a generous compensation and benefits package!

bswift is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer.

At bswift, our values are Pursue Excellence, Embrace Accountability, Deliver Superior Service, and Be A Great Place To Work .

We pride ourselves on having an engaged, friendly and smart team that goes the extra mile to get the job done right. The reward is a fun, flexible and creative environment with ample opportunity for professional and personal growth.

bswift was named one of Chicago's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, as well as one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of personal characteristics or status.

We take affirmative action to recruit, select and develop women, people of color, veterans and individuals with disabilities.

If you have what it takes to join our award-winning culture, we'd love to hear from you!