Senior Executive Director, Purchasing

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Executive Director of Purchasing provides strategic leadership and executive oversight of the district’s centralized procurement function. This role is responsible for driving best-in-class purchasing practices, ensuring regulatory compliance, maximizing fiscal stewardship, and delivering high-value procurement solutions that support the district’s instructional and operational priorities.

This leader will oversee sourcing strategy, contract management, supplier performance, and procurement operations while fostering innovation, transparency, and equity in all purchasing activities. The position requires deep expertise in public procurement, strong financial and analytical acumen, and the ability to influence executive stakeholders and system-wide decision-making.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Establish and execute a comprehensive district-wide procurement strategy aligned with organizational goals and financial priorities.

2. Serve as the advisor to executive leadership on all purchasing and procurement-related matters.

3. Lead transformation efforts to modernize procurement practices, systems, and policies to improve efficiency and transparency.

4. Oversee all purchasing operations, including requisition processing, sourcing, bidding, evaluation, and contract awards.

5. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local procurement laws, board policies, and audit requirements.

6. Develop, implement, and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure accountability and ethical practices.

7. Lead strategic sourcing initiatives to achieve cost savings, value optimization, and standardization across the district.

8. Oversee contract lifecycle management, including development, negotiation, execution, and performance monitoring.

9. Establish contract governance processes to ensure vendor accountability, service quality, and risk mitigation.

10. Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure high-quality goods and services and drive continuous improvement.

11. Implement vendor performance management systems, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and service-level expectations.

12. Analyze district-wide spend data to identify cost-saving opportunities, improve purchasing decisions, and drive efficiencies.

13. Partner with Finance and Budget teams to align procurement strategies with financial planning and resource allocation.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

14. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand procurement needs and provide strategic sourcing guidance.

15. Deliver high-quality customer service by improving procurement responsiveness, communication, and support to departments.

16. Provide training and guidance to district staff on procurement processes, policies, and best practices.

17. Provide leadership and direction to the Purchasing department, including talent development, performance management, and team effectiveness.

18. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the procurement function.

19. Lead change management efforts related to procurement transformation and system enhancements.

20. Monitor and report on metrics and procurement outcomes to ensure equity and transparency.

21. Resolve complex vendor disputes and procurement issues while maintaining strong business relationships.

22. Identify and mitigate procurement-related risks, including contractual, financial, and operational exposures.

23. Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

5 to 7 years

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Software

Oracle

SAP

Microsoft Office

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Deep knowledge of public procurement laws, regulations, and best practices

Expertise in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier management

Strong financial and analytical skills, including spend analysis and cost modeling

Proven ability to lead large, complex procurement operations

Exceptional leadership, organizational, and change management skills

Strong communication and executive presence

Ability to influence stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignment

High level of integrity, ethics, and accountability

Proficiency in procurement systems and ERP platforms

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Level 5 -Directs two or more levels of management in the development, deployment and ongoing management of key initiatives covering multiple major disciplines with direct accountability for results in terms of effectiveness, costs, methods, and employees. Establishes operational objectives and assignments for multiple disciplines/functional areas and possibly departments. Evaluates recommendations of others, deciding on course of action in ambiguous situations, and oversee the deployment of innovative solutions. Collaborates with senior leadership to develop strategies and broad departmental objectives; establishes methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs, and people in the achievement of strategic objectives.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

-Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice, and feedback.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.

PROBLEM SOLVING

-Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

-Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the organization causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies, or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Oversee and direct - serves as one of the organization's senior level spokespersons in area of expertise, defines and champions change initiatives, organizational strategies, services, policies, and practices. Interactions are typically with Top Management, the Board, and community and business leaders.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

-Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor and becomes involved in the customer's decision-making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.

Ability to carry and/or lift less than 45 pounds.