Procurement Manager

Marketing Statement

WMATA is seeking an experienced and results-driven Procurement Manager to lead strategic sourcing and category management initiatives that support one of the nation's largest public transportation systems. In this key leadership role, you will develop and execute sourcing strategies, oversee complex and high-value procurements, negotiate contracts, manage supplier performance, and identify opportunities to optimize spending and improve operational efficiency.

As a trusted business partner, you will collaborate with stakeholders across the Authority to develop procurement solutions that deliver value, mitigate risk, and support critical organizational objectives. You will also lead and develop procurement professionals, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and build strong supplier relationships that enhance service delivery and performance.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at building partnerships, and is passionate about delivering innovative procurement solutions that support WMATA's mission and long-term success.

The Procurement Manager is responsible for all aspects of the assigned category which includes mastering knowledge areas such as the category supply market, the key vendors in the market, and trends in the market that affect the Authority’s cost and or access to the supply market. The employee ensures the efficiency measures (e.g. Spend/FTE, etc.) of the assigned category and the effectiveness (e.g. savings, process cycle times, etc.) of managing that category. The Manager leads the key sourcing process such as: strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, master data management, and manages and establishes a sourcing team that is accountable for the comprehensive sourcing process and collaborates with Programs and stakeholders to align with the sourcing strategy.

Principal Job Duties

• Develops and implements the sourcing strategy for the designated categories in line with the overall department sourcing strategy to constantly increase productivity, identify cost savings opportunities and optimize Authority-wide spend, Creates and improves specialization and efficiencies within the business line generating buying power and identifying reduction in costs.
• Acts as the subject matter advisor for assigned category collaborating with management and other subject matter experts to develop category strategies; critical areas of expertise include the supply markets, major vendors, and industry trends that may impact the purchasing for the category. Provides collaborative category management plans to senior management illustrating visibility on risks, total cost of ownership, key operational achievements and measurable deliverables. Performs the role of the trusted adviser and works with the program areas to develop the strategic plan.
• Oversees and analyzes competitive bid/proposal, contract development and negotiations, risk assessment and mitigation, as well as on-going strategic supplier relationships and performance management.
• Optimizes internal processes, workflows, and interfaces to improve category-specific measures of productivity, efficiency and effectiveness (e.g., savings, process cycle time, Spend/FTE).
• Ensures that suppliers are managed effectively through initiatives such as strategic sourcing, performance monitoring against key performance indicators (KPIs), service level agreements (SLAs), benchmarking, contract management and negotiation.
• Manages category teams focusing on performance of strategic procurement, including market research, contract formation and vendor management.
• Provides input and enforces compliance with Authority’s policies and procedures for procurement related programs.
• Imposes sanctions on vendors for claims of contract breach.

Other Duties

• Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Knowledge

• Complete knowledge of the Procurement cycle including but not limited to: source selection, price / cost analysis, negotiation, award justification, vendor management and documentation
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of category management and the development of comprehensive, data-driven, category strategies based on in-depth market intelligence and knowledge
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Government procurement, including formal advertising, negotiated procurements, contract law, and cost/price analysis
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local, laws ordinances and regulations
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances and regulations governing WMATA procurements
• Knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, WMATA human resource policies, administrative procedures, labor contracts, and agreements

Skills

• Strong skills in verbal and written communication to effectively and consistently communicate expectations, requirements and issues with vendors and within Authority
• Strong skills in coordination to increase collaboration across the agency
• Strong skills in analysis, problem-solving and conceptualization
• Strong organizational skills with significant detail orientation
• Strong sills in managing teams across category and/or functions
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Abilities

• Ability to lead teams through transitions or transformations
• Demonstrated ability to drive business success in an environment where there is a strong emphasis on metrics and reporting
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and organizations with whom interface is required
• Ability to exercise good judgment; delegate responsibilities and ensure the completion of assigned tasks without compromising accuracy and attention to details
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable Federal, State and local, laws ordinances and regulations
• Ability to recommend more effective methods or procedures to be followed in future contractual negotiations

Machine, Tools, Equipment, Software, Hardware Required

• Personal computer
• Copiers and office equipment
• Microsoft Word, Excel, Access
• Databases and enterprise resource management programs

Supervisory Responsibility

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field
  • In lieu of a bachelor's degree, a high school diploma or GED plus four years of progressively responsible procurement administration and management experience in large public programs will be considered in addition to the below years of experience

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible procurement administration and management experience in large public programs.
• Advanced education and/or training in the areas of supply management, public procurement and contract negotiation.

Minimum Certification/Licensure

• Must obtain a certification from an accredited procurement program such as; the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC), National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP), the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), or any other recognized accredited certifying agency within two (2) years of hire. This certification must be continuously maintained thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)