Purchasing & Product Development Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job: Full-Time, Purchasing and Product Development Manager in Tucson, Arizona. REMOTE/ HYBRID

Are you a team-oriented manager who loves to create interpretive product and is good with data? Western National Parks (WNP), a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service (NPS) and the United States Forest Service (USFS), is seeking a Full-Time, Purchasing and Product Development Manager who will be responsible for overseeing Western National Parks (WNP’s) creation of interpretive products tailored to each of its partner parks, while maintaining optimal inventory levels. In addition, this role will help maintain and manage accurate system of information and ensure smooth operation of processes. 

Our Purchasing and Product Team is looking for a detail-oriented individual who will play the vital role of supporting the Purchasing & Product Development team. The role will be under the guidance of the Director of Purchasing & Product Development to proactively address challenges and responsible for ensuring exceptional internal and external stakeholder experiences through the department’s customer service. This role will spearhead the mentorship and leadership of the Purchasing and Product Development Coordinators to promote their growth and success. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

This role is responsible for the following duties and any related tasks as assigned:

 

• Collaborates with the Director of Purchasing & Product Development in developing and executing purchasing strategies.
• Initiate and oversee new product development projects.
• Pursue, develop, and partner with reliable vendors to achieve objectives set out by the department lead.
• Monitor new product sales.
• Manage and maintain accurate system for information and data for department.
• Collaborate with WNP teams on product development overseeing the creation of interpretive products tailored to retail locations.
• Evaluate and source appropriate vendor and product type based on location specific needs.
• Collaborate with other WNP teams to streamline operations relating to the department.
• Supervise, support, train, and mentor Purchasing & Product Development Coordinators in all processes and responsibilities.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

For a specific list of physical demands, please contact Human Resources at View email address on us.fitly.work to request.

TRAVEL

Occasional to frequent travel (including multi-day and overnight travel, both in/out of state, and remote

locations) may be required. Must be able to travel by various means including car, air, train, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS 

This role must possess advanced to expert knowledge of, skill in, and/or ability in the following:

Knowledge 

• Understanding of standard purchasing processes and best practices.
• Understanding of POS systems.
• Familiarity with sourcing and vendor management.

Skills

• Strong judgment and decision-making skills.
• Strong sense of ethics.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Skilled in conflict resolution.
• High degree of negotiation and networking skills.

Abilities

• Exercise diplomatic and effective communication, verbally and in writing, with internal

• employees as well as WNP’s Home Office team, partners, and vendors.
• Exercise independent judgment and ability to maintain attention to detail.
• Ability for high level planning, analyzing, organization, and problem solving.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to research, analyze, and resolve problems.
• Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
• Ability to coach/mentor.

EXPERIENCE 

This role must have the following qualifications and/or experience unless otherwise noted:

• 5+ years’ experience in retail purchasing.
• Experience with managing vendor relationships.
• Experience in conflict resolution.
• Experience in maintaining databases.
• Experience with variety of computer programs including but not limited to Internet, databases, Video conferencing software (i.e. Zoom) and Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint).
• Experience with Point of Sale (POS) system or RetailPro required.
• High school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university or, a losely related field preferred.
• Valid REAL ID* driver’s license.

• Ability to pass Western National Park ‘s independent employment background screening that may include, but is not limited to, employment, education, criminal, SSN verification and, professional references as part of its hiring requirements.

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

We are committed to providing you with an outstanding employee benefits package and support. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for:

• Choice of 3 premium subsidized PPO Medical plans with built-in HSA or HRA, PPO Dental, Vision, Flex Medical Savings Plan, Dependent Care Savings Plan, Optional Voluntary Term Life, and 403(b) Retirement Plan with a fully vested 100% match up to 8.33% of income after 6 months service.
• Company Paid Benefits include: Short- & Long-Term Disability, a $50,000 Employee Group Life policy, EAP, and Health & Wellness resources.
• Eleven paid holidays, additional paid personal day, accrued paid vacation, and sick time.
• Employee Appreciation: 15% Discount on employee purchases in-store.
• Employee Referral Bonuses

(This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.)

Western National Parks Association is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on legally protected characteristics. Hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs.