Procurement Manager Position Available In Lauderdale, Mississippi

Our client, an organization committed to operational excellence and high-integrity supplier partnerships, is seeking a forward-thinking Procurement Manager to lead its procurement operations. This role is ideal for a strategic, emotionally intelligent professional who thrives at the intersection of leadership, analytics, and collaboration. The successful candidate will bring both tactical expertise and a human-centered approach to building high-performing teams and long-term supplier relationships. This is more than a management role-it’s a leadership opportunity that invites you to shape procurement practices, drive continuous improvement, and align team performance with broader organizational goals. What You’ll Do Lead Procurement Strategy Design and implement procurement strategies that align with the client’s long-term goals and competitive positioning. Champion value-based sourcing initiatives that optimize quality, cost-efficiency, and risk mitigation. Develop Supplier Partnerships Establish and nurture long-term, trust-based relationships with key suppliers. Lead contract and pricing negotiations, balancing cost competitiveness with quality, service, and reliability. Elevate Operational Excellence Drive day-to-day procurement operations with an emphasis on clarity, efficiency, and team accountability. Ensure timely, accurate purchasing while fostering cross-functional collaboration with inventory and logistics teams. Budget and Risk Oversight Manage departmental budgets with precision, ensuring responsible and strategic spending. Identify and mitigate procurement-related risks that could impact service delivery or compliance. Team Leadership and Development Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse procurement team, creating a culture of growth, adaptability, and ownership. Invest in coaching and training, with a focus on Emotional Intelligence, communication, and performance. Performance Metrics and Continuous Improvement Define and track KPIs to measure procurement efficiency, cost savings, and supplier performance. Leverage data insights to drive strategic decisions and present performance reports to senior leadership. Market Awareness Guide the team in evaluating market trends, new supplier capabilities, and innovation opportunities. Encourage proactive supplier evaluations to ensure access to high-performing vendors and competitive pricing. Compliance and Documentation Uphold all regulatory, legal, and internal procurement standards. Maintain accurate, auditable documentation across procurement activities and contracts. What You Bring Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Project Management, or related discipline. 5-7 years of progressive experience in procurement or purchasing, with at least 5 years in a team leadership role. Key Competencies Proven ability to lead with vision, integrity, and a people-first mindset. Expertise in contract negotiation, supplier management, and cost containment. Strong command of procurement systems, forecasting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite. Exceptional communication and analytical skills, with a natural ability to lead through complexity. Experience guiding high-performing teams through change, growth, and continuous improvement. Position is a Federal competitive service position under Executive Order 11935. A required qualification would be that the applicant be a US Citizen or US National. Preferred Certifications CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) Six Sigma Certification Other relevant certifications that enhance your effectiveness in procurement leadership The Work Environment Primarily office-based, with periodic travel to vendor and supplier sites. Offers a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere focused on delivering results with integrity and professionalism. What’s in It for You Competitive compensation and benefits package Opportunity to grow within a progressive, mission-driven organization The chance to lead a high-impact team that directly contributes to operational and financial success At Ashton North, we connect professionals to roles that align not just with skills, but with purpose. This opportunity is for those who want to lead with intention, innovate with courage, and build systems that serve both people and performance.