Procurement Manager

Managing Director of Finance (Controller), Brooklyn, New York
In-Person Work Preferred

This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime.

WHO WE ARE
Explore Schools is a network of public charter schools providing 2,000 students in Brooklyn with the outstanding education they deserve. Our goal is to provide students with curriculum and instruction that is both standards-aligned and culturally responsive. Our approach is designed to provide the conditions that nurture students as critical thinkers and natural problem-solvers.  As an organization, we are committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate white supremacy. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees.

WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe that all children can learn when immersed in a rich environment full of high expectations, rigorous academics, and caring, committed adults. We believe equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive—we can meet the needs of all students in our schools, while actively engaging parents and driving toward excellent academic results. We believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community.

WHO YOU ARE 

Explore Schools seeks a professional with at least 3 years of Procurement experience for the Procurement Manager role. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment where you proactively problem-solve and propose solutions. You have superb organizing and prioritizing skills, meeting deadlines, staying on top of important details, and a strong working knowledge of Excel. The Procurement Manager should enjoy collaborating within and across teams and supporting wherever needed. Additionally, you possess the following qualities: 

• Dedicated to working in communities that have historically been underserved and under-resourced 

•  You are willing to engage in identity work necessary to heighten your own awareness and improve your capacity to view your workstreams through an anti-white supremacy lens 

• You are a systems-based thinker; one who is skilled at creating and implementing systems and processes that enable work to be accomplished effectively across the network.  

• The desire to create and maintain a safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable school environment 

• A willingness to go above and beyond to support our mission 

• Strong technical computer skills 

• A steadfast commitment to collaboration and teamwork 

• Professional integrity, flexibility, and a reflective attitude 

• The ability to execute tasks efficiently and with a sense of urgency and attention to detail 

• The ability to work with and manage others up, down and sideways. 

• The ability to execute and communicate in a direct and sensitive fashion 

• The ability to bend, squat, climb stairs frequently and lift up to 20 pounds 

• Bachelor’s Degree, required 

• At least 3 years of procurement experience in a school environment, required  

WHAT YOU’LL DO 

The Procurement Manager executes the procure-to-pay process, managing purchasing activities across the network and improving centralized procurement systems. Key responsibilities include establishing and maintaining vendor relationships, placing, managing, and reconciling purchases across schools and network teams in a timely and error-free manner in compliance with our fiscal policies and procedures, collaborating with network and school leaders to meet procurement goals, and ensuring timely payments while delivering exceptional customer service. 

As a finance team member, the Procurement Manager reports to the Managing Director of Finance while working closely with school and network leaders to determine procurement needs and execute procurement activities effectively across the organization. This role requires professionalism, trustworthiness, and adaptability in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.  

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: 

Procurement & Vendor Management 

• Execute all purchasing activities proactively across schools and the network office. 

• Establish and manage recurring orders for school supplies and materials to ensure schools are fully stocked. 

• Coordinate network-wide procurement of shared materials such as curriculum, furniture, subscriptions, and technology. 

• Develop and maintain an approved, diverse vendor list while negotiating optimal pricing. 

• Create and manage a catalog of network-approved items, including supplies, furniture, technology, and curriculum resources. 

• Oversee the credit card program for schools and the network office. 

• Reconcile network-wide credit card transactions weekly to ensure accuracy. 

• Process accounts payable invoices by matching them to purchase orders, ensuring vendors are paid on time. 

• Manage bidding processes and vendor selection in conjunction with school teams 

• Assist with additional finance department tasks and ad hoc projects as needed. 

• Manage NYSTL funding and FAMIS procurement cycle networkwide. 

• Administrator for Procurify: ensuring user adoption and continuous enhancements to the tool and process within Procurify.  

Leadership & Professional Development 

• Assist with the implementation and ongoing administration of Procurify, providing comprehensive support to users during and after the rollout. 

• Create and lead training sessions on procurement processes, policies, and best practices. 

• Collaborate with developing standard qualification criteria for frequently procured goods and services. 

• Proactively work to propose improvements to centralized procurement systems. 

• Work with schools to ensure they are spending within their allotted budget.  

BENEFITS AND PERKS 
Explore Schools staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off including network shutdown days, considerable matching of retirement contributions, and more. Additionally, you can expect: 

• Comprehensive benefits package including three health plans to choose from, two dental plans, and vision insurance. We also offer flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care and transit. 

• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities 

• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment 

• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning 

• Our school-based staff also receive: 

• Professional development: weekly PD, year-round retreats and trainings, and ongoing coaching by professionals 

• Continued education support: staff are eligible to receive scholarship funds towards qualifying certification costs or higher education tuition 

• Our ESI Staff also have the opportunity to seek out and attend professional development, have a supervisor committed to their growth and development, and are eligible to apply to our staff scholarship program. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

Explore Schools staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off including network shutdown days, considerable matching of retirement contributions, and more.   

• The salary range for the incoming Procurement Manager is $65,000 to $80,000. This is our good faith range at the time of posting. 

• Incoming salaries are determined based on experience and internal equity.  

• Because we value staff members staying in their roles over time, we do not currently cap salary ranges and this is the range for incoming staff members only.  

• This is base salary and does not include additional compensation opportunities, such as signing bonuses, additional time worked pay, stipends, leadership opportunities, and additional pay for specialized certifications and advanced degrees. 

Additionally, you can expect: 

• A competitive and comprehensive benefits plan, covering up to 95% of the cost for employees and their families. Other benefits include dental and vision plans, employer paid disability and life insurance, parental leave benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time and paid holidays, professional development, continuing education scholarships, referral bonuses, employee assistance program (EAP), childcare assistance, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, and more! 

• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities 

• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment 

• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning 

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Explore Schools is a network of 6 charter schools located in Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Flatbush communities of Brooklyn, NY. Our schools are currently operating fully in-person. For this position: 

• In-person work is required. 

• This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime. 

• The standard work week is 45 hours, though at times you may work more. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

As discussed in our Who We Are section, Explore Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It is important to us that all staff members have a place of employment that is free of discrimination of all kinds and where staff can bring their authentic selves to work. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran, or military status. If any employee or applicant believes they have been discriminated against, they should let Tiffany Williams know immediately.