Purchasing Manager - YMCA of the North Shore

Are you a detail-oriented professional with strong purchasing, vendor management, and relationship-building skills? Do you enjoy creating efficient systems, managing multiple priorities, and helping organizations maximize their resources? If so, the YMCA of the North Shore may have the perfect opportunity for you.

We are seeking a collaborative and proactive Purchasing Manager to support purchasing operations across our association. This role plays a key part in ensuring responsible stewardship of resources by coordinating purchasing activities, managing vendor relationships, supporting contract administration, and promoting efficient, cost-conscious purchasing practices across multiple YMCA branches and affiliated entities.

Working closely with Finance, Facilities, Operations, Housing, and branch leadership teams, the Purchasing Manager helps ensure that purchasing processes are streamlined, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals.
What You'll Do
Vendor Management & Purchasing

• Evaluate and maintain relationships with vendors based on quality, service, pricing, and organizational needs
• Coordinate purchasing activities and support vendor selection and onboarding processes
• Partner with vendors to ensure timely ordering, delivery, and issue resolution
• Support vendor agreements and participate in contract discussions as needed

Purchasing Operations & Cost Management

• Review and support purchasing requests in accordance with established guidelines and preferred vendor agreements
• Promote consistent purchasing practices across the association
• Partner with local YMCA teams to address purchasing needs and operational challenges
• Support efforts to maximize value while maintaining quality and service standards

Systems, Records & Compliance

• Maintain accurate vendor records, purchasing documentation, and system data
• Utilize purchasing and financial systems to track activity and ensure data accuracy
• Support internal audits, reviews, and reporting requirements
• Ensure purchasing practices align with organizational policies and procedures

Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Work closely with Finance, Facilities, Housing, Operations, and branch teams to support organizational needs
• Provide guidance and support related to purchasing processes and procedures
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance vendor performance
• Serve as a trusted resource for purchasing-related questions and best practices

What We're Looking For

• Experience in purchasing, procurement, vendor management, operations, finance, or a related field
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Experience working with purchasing, accounting, or enterprise management systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse teams
• Commitment to customer service, operational excellence, and continuous improvement

Why Work at the Y?

At the YMCA of the North Shore, you'll be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

We offer:

• Free YMCA membership and employee discounts on programs
• Health and dental insurance for eligible employees
• Paid training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• Two weeks of paid vacation, plus generous sick and personal time
• Retirement plan with a 12% employer contribution (once vested, no match required)
• Employer-paid life insurance
• A collaborative and supportive work environment

If you're looking for an opportunity to combine your operational expertise, financial stewardship, and relationship-building skills in a role that supports meaningful community impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of administrative experience; purchasing experience strongly preferred
• Strong computer proficiency, including Excel, with the ability to quickly learn new systems
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Deadline-driven with strong time management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and follow-through
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Frequent use of a computer and phone/smart device for extended periods of time
• Primarily sedentary role requiring prolonged sitting, reaching, and occasional standing
• Occasional lifting or moving of items up to 10 pounds
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment

The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran's status.