National Manager, Procurement

General Summary

This role directs the strategic acquisition of goods and services for Kia America, Inc (“KUS”). The National Manager of Procurement is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the purchasing process, including sourcing and program analysis. Responsibilities include providing guidance and direction to Procurement team members and internal stakeholders regarding purchasing policies and procedures, as well as monitoring and enforcing adherence to the Purchasing Policy. Additionally, this position acts as the primary point of contact for all procurement-related activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1st Priority – 30%

• Lead and develop a high-performing Procurement Agents team, emphasizing collaboration and operational excellence using quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Oversee Procurement operations and programs, ensuring timely, on-budget, and quality delivery.

2nd Priority – 30%

• Oversee designated programs and manage vendor relationships.
• Conducts supplier selection, performs cost and price analysis of vendor proposals and quotations, and facilitates contract negotiations.

3rd Priority – 20%

• Develop strong relationships with internal business partners to engage them on a timely basis as appropriate to ensure agreements are consistent with company objectives and procedures.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers while continually seeking additional vendors.

4th Priority – 10%

• Develop and execute strategies to maximize spending by identifying and qualifying savings potential for specific projects.

5th Priority – 10%

• Administration of proper procurement documentation. Review and approve reconciliations of project costs to ensure all costs are in line with planned budgets.  Oversee the KPI process upon program completion.

Personally Performed Duties

• Provide management and leadership of vendor sourcing process.
  • Development and issuance of RFI/RFPs.
  • Evaluate vendor proposal pricing, terms, and conditions.
  • Provide appropriate recommendations.
  • Execute negotiations of pricing, terms, and conditions to maximize value and mitigate risk to KUS.
  • Manages preventive and expediting measures to ensure timely deliveries, addresses delays promptly.
• Working with internal business partners (operational department, Legal, Finance) to ensure Procurement process is consistent with company business objectives and procedures.  Lead and provide guidance to various business units throughout the procurement process as necessary. Uphold KUS’s Purchasing Policy and Procedure with integrity and consistency.
  • Tracking and reporting project schedule and cost performance.
  • Some domestic and international travel may be required.
  • Provide guidance and assistance to Procurement team, as necessary.
  • Conduct major vendor financial/operational audits as required.

Qualifications/Education

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or related discipline required.     
• MBA preferred

Job Requirement

Related Experience & Requirements

• 7-9 years of experience in indirect procurement or related experience.
• 5 years of experience managing a team of Procurement professionals
• Ability to negotiate complex contract terms and manage vendor relationships.
• Proven success in developing and implementing procurement policies.
• Basic knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and contract law.

Other Requirements

• Physical Requirements: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform routine office tasks.
• 5 - 10% of domestic and/or international travel.
• Job demands may include reading (documents), detailed work, confidentiality, problem solving, language, reasoning skills, oral communication, written communication, customer contact, ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, vendors, and other employees, multiple concurrent tasks, ability to work with constant interruptions, etc.
• Must be able to maintain focus and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to analyze information and make sound decisions under time constraints.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
• Must be able to respond to challenges with poise and agility.
• Ability to handle competing priorities effectively and with composure.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required

• Strong analytical skills.  Proven ability to perform cost/price analysis.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and quality.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with SAP.