Procurement Manager

Procurement ManagerFor over 30 years, Gersh Autism has empowered students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential. Serving individuals aged 5-21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, our network of K-12 schools provides personalized education tailored to each student's unique learning style. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services—speech, physical, occupational therapy, and more—along with vocational training for older students. Our dedicated team collaborates with families to ensure academic, social, and emotional growth, preparing students for success beyond the classroom. At Gersh Autism, we are committed to helping individuals on the autism spectrum lead fulfilling, independent lives.The Procurement Manager is a strategic leader responsible for building and managing a high performing procurement function that supports a multi-state portfolio of schools, clinical programs, and corporate operations. This role oversees the full lifecycle of procurement—from forecasting and sourcing to vendor management and cost optimization—ensuring the organization to operate efficiently, compliantly, and at scale.This leader will drive procurement strategy, standardization, and process improvement while developing strong vendor partnerships and delivering measurable cost savings. The Procurement Manager will also mentor and manage a Purchasing Coordinator, establishing structure, accountability, and growth within the procurement function.Key ResponsibilitiesProcurement Strategy + OptimizationDevelop and execute a centralized procurement strategy aligned with organizational growth and operational needsAnalyze historical purchasing data to forecast demand across campuses, departments, and programsIdentify opportunities for cost savings, standardization, and bulk purchasing efficienciesEstablish procurement policies, controls, and best practices to support scalability and consistencyVendor Sourcing + Relationship ManagementIdentify, evaluate, and onboard vendors across multiple categories (Facilities products, FF&E, paper goods, office supplies, classroom supplies, etc.)Lead contract negotiations to secure favorable pricing, terms, and service levelsBuild and maintain strategic vendor partnerships to ensure reliability, quality, and responsivenessContinuously evaluate vendor performance and implement improvements where neededProcurement Operations + ExecutionOversee the end-to-end procurement process from requisition through delivery and reconciliationEnsure timely, accurate, and cost-effective fulfillment of all purchasing needsPartner with internal stakeholders to align purchasing with operational priorities and timelinesResolve discrepancies, delays, or service issues with urgency and professionalismNew Location OpeningsCreate new location opening budgetsPurchase and track all items required for new locationsProvide onsite support for new locations post-opening as needed, ensuring smooth transition into operationsSupport communication and coordination with internal teams and external partners related to openingsCommunicate delivery details to the appropriate departmentsInventory + Demand PlanningCollaborate cross-functionally to monitor inventory levels and anticipate future needsImplement systems and processes to reduce waste, prevent shortages, and improve visibilitySupport multi-location inventory planning with a focus on efficiency and cost controlFinancial Oversight + ReportingTrack procurement spends, identify trends, and report on cost-saving initiativesSupport budgeting and forecasting processes with accurate purchasing dataEnsure alignment with financial goals and cost control strategiesSystems, Compliance + Process ImprovementEnsure compliance with all internal policies, financial controls, and regulatory requirementsMaintain accurate procurement records, contracts, and documentationLeverage systems (e.g., NetSuite) to improve visibility, reporting, and efficiencyContinuously refine procurement workflows to support a high-growth environmentsCross-Functional + Organizational SupportPartner with Facilities, Operations, Finance, and Program Leadership to support new site openings and ongoing operational needsSupport procurement for capital projects, expansions, and special initiativesOperate within EOS, ensuring accountability through structured meetings, scorecards, and deliverablesQualifications:Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field5+ years of progressive procurement experience, preferably in a multi-site or high-growth environmentDemonstrated experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating contractsPrior experience leading or mentoring team members preferredStrong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skillsProficiency in procurement and ERP systems and Microsoft Office SuiteKnowledge of compliance, purchasing controls, and financial processesAbility to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environmentPhysical RequirementsMust be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures.Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child.Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workdayAbility to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizesAbility to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quicklyAbility to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environmentAbility to multi-task and shift priorities quicklyAbility to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situationsAbility to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationshipsAbility to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalationsBenefits for Full Time EmployeesGersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your personal and professional growth.Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)Retirement Plan (401k matching)Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)Short-Term & Long-Term DisabilityTraining & Development