Purchasing Manager

ExplorUS is a dynamic and growing company specializing in concession services for the great outdoors. We are committed to providing top-notch services to our visitors while fostering a fun and fast-paced work environment for our employees. Summary of Position Lead companywide purchasing initiatives across our food & beverage, retail, lodging, and recreation operations. This role will build and manage vendor relationships, manage national contracts, and implement sourcing strategies that deliver cost savings and efficiency across over 100 sites nationwide. Responsibilities Strategic Procurement Improve and implement strategic sourcing and procurement plans that support corporate and all lines of business—food & beverage, retail, lodging, and recreation. Identify high-volume spend categories (e.g., vehicles, lawn mowers, golf and utility carts, tools, picnic tables, fire rings, kitchen equipment, furniture, linens, safety supplies, janitorial products) and cost-saving opportunities. Assist in negotiating national or regional contracts to reduce costs and improve service. Assist in establishing a preferred vendor program with negotiated terms, warranties, and delivery standards that benefit all locations. Partner with Accounting and Finance to monitor spend data, establish cost baselines, and track savings achieved through consolidated purchasing. Vendor and Contract Management Evaluate and select suppliers through RFPs, bids, and market analysis. Manage relationships with large vendors in our group purchasing organization. Establish long-term supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability, and value. Coordinate with VPs, directors, and site managers to ensure vendors meet operational needs, sustainability goals, and compliance requirements. Maintain all procurement records and contract documentation in a centralized repository. Operational Integration Collaborate closely with the VPs of Operations, Food & Beverage, Retail, and Lodging to understand category-specific needs and ensure procurement supports operational goals Develop simple purchasing procedures and training materials for field staff to make adoption easy and efficient Create and maintain a catalog of approved products and pricing accessible to managers at all sites Support site openings, renovations, and capital projects with sourcing and logistics coordination Data, Systems, and Process Ensure proper budget approval, contract approval, and contract signature authority for covered purchases Work with IT to implement purchasing tools or ERP modules that enable tracking, approvals, and reporting Use data analytics to identify cost reduction opportunities, supplier performance issues, and process improvements Ensure compliance with all federal and state concession requirements regarding purchasing and contracting Other duties as requested Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Hospitality Management, or related field (or equivalent experience) 3-6 years of experience in procurement, preferably within multi-site hospitality, recreation, or government concession operations Experience supporting vendor negotiations and contract administration. Strong analytical and financial acumen; skilled in spend analysis and budgeting Intermediate Excel skills and comfort working with purchasing and financial data. Experience using AI tools in the procurement process Excellent writing skills with the ability to write clear, plain language policies and guidance. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across operations, finance, and executive teams. Experience working within purchasing systems or ERP procurement modules preferred. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr