Purchasing Manager

Monterey Bay Aquarium • Monterey, CA

1d

About The Position

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all backgrounds into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. Priority deadline for applications is February 12, 2026. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than February 12, 2026. Job Summary: Under limited supervision, reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, lead all procurement activities for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, partnering across departments to ensure timely, cost-effective acquisition of materials and services while maintaining quality standards. Negotiate prices, manage vendor relationships, cross-functional collaboration, and coordinate all purchasing activities. Offers unique variety and challenges given the Aquarium's diverse operational needs, requiring strategic support, hands-on procurement management, and a commitment to sustainability practices. Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• 5+ years of procurement experience with significant authority and autonomy
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic procurement practices and vendor management
• Precision and attention to detail: exceptional accuracy in contract review, purchase order processing, and vendor documentation management
• Communication and feedback skills: ability to give and receive constructive feedback effectively; strong verbal and written communication for all organizational levels
• Analytical and problem-solving: critical evaluation of vendor proposals, cost analysis, and resolution of complex procurement challenges
• Relation management: build and maintain productive internal and external partnerships with diplomacy and professionalism
• Systems proficiency: advanced Microsoft Office skills., experience with procurement, accounting, and contract management systems (Intacct preferred)
• Self-direction and urgency: proactive, self-motivated approach with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Support organizational sustainability and environmental stewardship through vendor selection
• Maintain highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all business relationships
• Fluent English required for complex written and verbal communication
• Typical office equipment
• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
• Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Familiarity with topics related to sustainable procurement
• Spanish language skills a plus
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Procurement Planning & Contract Management Develop and maintain 12-month rolling procurement schedules, lead contract renewals and renegotiations, coordinate with Contract Manager and VP of Legal Affairs on contract administration.
• Vendor Management & Relationship Building Identify, qualify, and manage vendor relationships; designate preferred vendors; negotiate pricing and terms; maintain vendor documentation including insurance certificates and conflict of interest forms.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Support Partner with departments to understand procurement needs, provide consultation on specifications, deliver training on purchasing procedures, and ensure compliance with organizational policies.
• Competitive Bidding & Cost Analysis Manage competitive bidding processes for purchases exceeding $10,000, evaluate vendor qualifications with precision, analyze cost-benefit scenarios, and document procurement decisions.
• Process Optimization & Policy Development Develop and maintain purchasing policies and procedures, consolidate organizational purchases for volume discounts, implement best practices, and create procedural documentation.
• Purchase Order Management & Follow-up Issue purchase orders and contracts with attention to detail, monitor order status, resolve irregularities, and coordinate with Museum Purchasing Consortium.
• Team Leadership & Performance Management Provide direction and feedback to staff, promote consistent practices across departments, and support organizational purchasing objectives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees