Procurement Director

Are you ready to think about the future and dream big? At Port Houston, we're seeking individuals who are eager to tackle the most significant challenges of their careers. For over a century, we've been driven by vision and scale, delivering impactful initiatives that shape Houston and the region. Our sustainability and success hinge on attracting, retaining, and nurturing exceptional talent.

When you join Port Houston, you're embarking on a journey towards a fulfilling career path. Take the first step in the right direction—are you READY?

Position Summary

Oversees execution of the procurement and contract management strategies and tactics for Port Houston. Plans, develops, and implements procurement activities, contract management, and policy development for the acquisition of goods and services in partnership with Port business units. Develops strategies resulting in continuous improvement and greater procurement efficiencies relating to costs and timely delivery of services and materials.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Provide short and long-term vision, direction, guidance, and support to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Port Houston’s procurement function
• Collaborate with Port business units (Operations, Project and Construction Management, others) to develop advantageous procurement methods aligned with the Texas Water Code or affect legislation to enable such methods
• Gain employee engagement of the department through setting objectives and obtaining alignment on the department direction and initiatives; reinforce change management by embracing and driving the processes for continuous improvement
• Partner with the Business Equity division to deliver program growth and useful analytics associated with Small, Minority and Woman-owned Enterprise participation
• Establish priorities and advise internal customers on acquisition strategies and the resolution of procurement-related obstacles
• Maintain a procurement manual which provides useful, procedural instruction for user groups based on and aligned with the Texas Water Code and industry best practices
• Establish goals, objectives, and performance standards for the department consistent with Port Houston mission and values
• Direct overall planning, organization, and policy development of the department
• Direct and manage multiple functions of Procurement, including purchase orders, contract management, small business vendor administration, and records retention
• Develop methods to reduce costs and increase efficiency within the department
• Oversee procurement policies and procedures training Port-wide; address all issues relating to procurement policies, practices and guidelines
• Initiate and review all procurement processes, including, requisitions, purchase orders, request for method of procurement, pre-bid and proposal conferences, initial and final rank and evaluation, debriefings
• Attend all initial and final rank and evaluation sessions and perform all debriefings
• Support open competition, strong customer service and personal development; keep current on contract compliance regulations and apply new information and techniques as appropriate
• Establish effective communication and cooperation across Port Houston functional boundaries
• Advise and assist senior staff on studies, investigations and analyses related to procurement
• Work in partnership with internal/external business partners to increase contracting opportunities
• Prepare communications for the Chief Executive, the Port Commission and the public
• Serve as an effective interface between Port Houston and its contractors/vendors
• Represent Port Houston in meetings with representatives of governmental agencies, professional and business organizations
• Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
• Perform other duties as required
  
  

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Economics, Finance or related major in a public or accredited private academic institution required
• Master’s degree preferred
• WorkdayTM ERP experience associated with Procure to Pay and Strategic Sourcing is preferred
• 7 years of related experience in a similar role required
• Previous supervisory experience preferred
• Certified Public Purchasing Officer preferred or achieved within 1 year of employment
• Certified Texas Procurement Manager preferred
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public sector procurement laws and regulations, and supply chain management
• Considerable knowledge of Port Houston’s Procurement Manual, regulatory guidelines, industry best practices and Port Houston practices
• Considerable knowledge of processes and regulations of public procurement, contract management, and small business
• Knowledge of e-procurement systems
• Solid decision-making skills
• Ability to direct the overall activities of the organization’s procurement function
• Very strong negotiation and mediation skills; excellent communication skills (strong verbal, written, listening and presentation skills required)
• Skills of influence, persuasion and negotiation to achieve goals
• Solid quantitative and analytical skills
• Ability to operate successfully in a complex environment and work effectively across multiple groups and levels
• Ability to interact professionally with various levels of Port Houston employees and outside representatives
• Ability to collaborate and network
• Ability to manage complex construction and professional service contracts
• Ability to work in a team setting, drive team results and support change management within the organization
• Ability to provide fact-based recommendations to leadership and commissioners as appropriate.
• Ability to exercise good judgment
• Ability to quickly assess, adapt and execute to ensure continuous improvement and aggressively manage change, maximize Port Houston opportunities and partnerships
• Must possess an intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  
  

Key Competencies Required

• Achieving Results
• Building a Successful Team
• Building Strategic Working Relationships
• Customer Focus
• Leadership Presence
• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Skills
  
  

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high. To apply, please go to porthouston.com/careers. Only applications submitted through the Port Houston Careers website will be acknowledged. Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government.

Thank you for choosing Port Houston in your career search.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.