Director of Procurement

WoodmenLIfe•Omaha, NE

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

WoodmenLife is looking to hire a Director of Procurement to join our team! This position has a hybrid 4/1 work schedule (can be flexible after training). In this role, you will be responsible for leading and optimizing the organization’s procurement function. The Procurement Leader develops and executes sourcing and purchasing strategies, negotiates contracts, supports vendor relationships, and ensures procurement aligns with organizational objectives and financial metrics. This role drives cost efficiency, risk mitigation and strong performance across the supply chain, partnering closely with vendor relationship managers, division leaders, legal, and executive leadership. WoodmenLife is one of the best places to work in Omaha, with more than 135 years of service rooted in purpose and community. Since 1890, WoodmenLife has been dedicated to helping hardworking Americans secure their families’ financial futures and leave a lasting legacy. As a purpose‑driven, not‑for‑profit life insurance company, our commitment is to our members and the communities they call home. As a member of the WoodmenLife family, you’ll join others who share a commitment to family, community, and country. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, and more. Apply today to learn more!

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management or a related field or equivalent experience.
10+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, purchasing or supply chain management or working as a lawyer with a core focus on all aspects of contracting, particularly the review, negotiation and drafting of complex vendor agreements.
Strong understanding of procurement processes, contract terms and supplier management.
Current knowledge of the IT product and service market and vendor management technology options.
Knowledge of the sources of data and analytics to support the development and execution of sourcing strategies.
Understands contractual, commercial and operational working relationships with vendors.
Excellent analytical, negotiation and communications skills.
Highly collaborative, accountable and customer-focused.
Experience with procurement software, ERP systems and data analytical tools.
Familiarity with risk management, compliance and governance frameworks.
Demonstrated experience and ability to lead, coach and influence others.
Experience in managing through change.
Ability to provide seamless, trustworthy, attentive and resourceful (S.T.A.R.) customer service
Engages well with others and passionate about providing an exemplary customer experience

Responsibilities

Develop and implement sourcing and purchasing strategies and practices aligned with organizational objectives and financial metrics.
Establish and manage processes for vendor identification, evaluation, selection, and risk assessment, including determining when Request for Proposal (RFP) should be initiated for existing vendors.
Provide guidance to vendor relationship managers and division leaders on sourcing and purchasing to ensure cost efficiency, compliance and strategic alignment.
Lead direct and/or indirect team members to engage proactively with vendor relationship managers in determining renewal decisions or assessing potential vendor replacements.
Collaborate with legal, enterprise risk management, and executive leadership to ensure contract compliance, risk mitigation and alignment with strategic objectives.
Support vendor relationship managers in building and maintaining strong vendor partnerships that drive performance, innovation, and compliance.
Lead vendor negotiations to secure favorable terms, pricing, and service-level agreements.
Oversee the contract lifecycle, ensuring timely drafting, review, negotiation, and renewal of vendor contracts.
Use the central repository to manage vendor contracts and renewal timelines.
Monitor supplier performance, assess risk, and address issues promptly.
Optimize procurement budgets, implement cost-saving initiatives, and drive process improvements.
Track and report on procurement KPIs to enable data-driven decision-making.
Maintain and present market analysis to IT and business leaders regarding innovative product, solution and service opportunities.
Advance the organization’s skills that support business agility, speed and risk management through automation or the adoption of new technology and leveraging internal and external data sources.