Purchasing Manager

The Purchasing Manager will work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that is responsible for the purchasing of materials and services used to support Midco business needs. In this role you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership skills through the support and mentoring of the other buyers on the procurement team. You will be a key contributor in the organization by sourcing products and services at the ideal cost and quality, while not compromising on-time delivery. You will analyze data to identify recommendations for improvement and collaboration with the procurement and the supply chain team to deliver on plans.

KEY FUNCTIONS: 

• Provide organizational reporting on department activities and outcomes.
• Oversee purchases to support organizational goals for procurement of materials at an ideal cost, quality, and time.
• Maintain a high level of data integrity and understanding of all purchase orders.
• Maintain a vendor management system for Midco vendors that supports quality vendor data.
• Assist in monitoring of vendor performance and quality.
• Proactively communicate and report to leadership on external relationships that could impact planning, delivery and decision-making.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to qualify vendors, request quotes, evaluate price changes, negotiate pricing, terms and programs for various goods and services.
• Cultivate and leverage strong vendor relationships to facilitate the identification of risks, product opportunities and cost savings.
• Coordinate the resolution of procurement escalations, reconciliations, and reporting as required.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to identify and implement ideas for cost savings, efficiency, and quality improvements.
• Improve cash flow through payment cycle optimization, vendor managed inventory, and lead time reductions.
• Independently work on complex tasks, projects, and initiatives to support dynamic business objectives.
• Become educated in the industry, equipment, and vendors to support making quality business decisions.
• Assist in vendor contract and program negotiations, that support Midco strategies.
• Provide constructive and timely feedback for team members to foster engagement through coaching, training and stretch opportunities to increase team performance.
• Perform quarterly reviews and effectively manage disciplinary and/or performance issues.
• Operate and drive a Company vehicle in accordance with all Midco policies including maintaining a safe driving record.
• Follow and serve as a role model in displaying Midco’s Core Values and Leadership Success Drivers.
• Adhere to Midco’s privacy guidelines to ensure each customer’s privacy.
• Wear appropriate safety equipment when visiting or working in the warehouse facility.
• Maintain regular attendance to be available to provide direction and communication to team members.
• Be available to provide assistance to team members outside of normal business hours as necessary.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
 

• Assist in resolving tactical Procurement escalations, reconciliations, and reporting as required.
• Work with internal stakeholders to resolve any escalations on the procure to payment process.
• Perform training and mentor new hires on software and department processes and policy.
• Effectively communicate with other departments to handle escalating issues in a timely manner.
• Support the mission, vision and values of Midco.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external customers to ensure exceptional service.
• Demonstrate courage by tackling tough issues while acknowledging own limitations without compromising integrity.
• Remove obstacles for team members. Encourage creative solutions.
• Apply personal ethics, honesty, initiative, flexibility, responsibility and confidentiality in all areas of responsibility.
• Communicate clear expectations that set a high bar while holding team members accountable to reach these goals.
• Demonstrate business acumen by using data to drive decisions and actions.
• Model flexibility, resiliency and change management skills by staying self-aware, constantly learning, and
• finding ways to cut through ambiguous problems.
• Identify root causes of problems and implement solutions while keeping a holistic and long-term perspective in mind.
• Actively follow Midco policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, economics, engineering strongly preferred; a significant demonstration of equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum 6 years procurement experience required.
• Previous leadership experience is a plus.
• Experience in managing vendor negotiations.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel required.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge Microsoft ERP platforms preferred.
• Knowledge of international procurement strongly preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with federal procurement standards strongly preferred.
• Six Sigma/ Lean certification or exposure to these methodologies preferred
• Telecommunications experience preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS:

• The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.
• Required to periodically travel to other Midco locations, supplier locations, and trade and industry shows.
• Ability to analyze data and identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Keen attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in all aspects of field operations
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain flexible in a dynamic work environment.
• Mental resilience to handle stress and pressure, maintaining composure and effectiveness in challenging situations.
• Employees may be required to work in excess of 40 hours per week and other than normal business hours, such as holidays, evenings and weekends as business demands.

ABOUT MIDCO:

Midco:

• Is the leading provider of reliable, high-speed internet via fiber and fixed wireless technology, serving 460,000 homes and businesses in 400 communities across the Midwest.
• Provides exceptional customer experience and a superior network, while being a force for good in the communities we serve.
• Delivers TV services including Midco Sports (a regional sports network), phone, data center and advertising services, plus wholesale networking solutions.

Ready to work at Midco? We thought so. Here are a few more reasons why Midco is one of the best places to work:

• Free Midco internet & TV
• Great opportunities to get involved in volunteerism
• Generous 401(k) match and paid time away from work programs
• And many more

Visit Midco.com/Careers to learn about employment opportunities and apply today.

Midco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local commission, or any other characteristic protected by law. To view our full EEO and federal contractor supplemental posters, please refer to Midco.com/Federal Posters.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)