Purchasing Manager - YMCA of the North Shore

The YMCA of the North Shore is seeking a strategic and collaborative Purchasing Manager to lead purchasing and vendor management initiatives across our association.

In this role, you'll oversee competitive procurement processes, negotiate vendor agreements, manage supplier relationships, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Working closely with Finance, Facilities, Housing, Operations, and YMCA branch leaders, you'll help ensure our purchasing practices are consistent, cost-effective, and aligned with our mission of strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

If you're an experienced procurement professional who enjoys building relationships, negotiating value-driven partnerships, and improving organizational processes, we'd love to hear from you!

• Lead Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quote (RFQ), and Request for Information (RFI) processes from planning through contract award.
• Develop procurement strategies that balance quality, service, pricing, and long-term organizational value.
• Evaluate vendor proposals and provide recommendations based on cost, experience, service levels, and overall value.
• Conduct market research to identify new sourcing opportunities and innovative purchasing solutions.
• Partner with department leaders to understand purchasing needs and develop effective procurement strategies.

• Evaluate, select, and manage vendors based on quality, service, pricing, and alignment with YMCA operational needs.
• Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships that support long-term organizational success.
• Lead negotiations for pricing, contracts, renewals, and service agreements.
• Monitor vendor performance and recommend improvements or alternative sourcing strategies when appropriate.
• Establish and maintain preferred vendor partnerships across the association.

• Review and approve purchasing requests in accordance with established policies and preferred vendor agreements.
• Partner with YMCA branches to resolve purchasing challenges and promote consistent purchasing practices.
• Collaborate with Finance, Facilities, Housing, and Operations teams to forecast purchasing needs and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Support responsible stewardship of organizational resources through effective purchasing strategies and process improvements.

• Maintain accurate vendor records, purchasing documentation, contracts, and system data.
• Utilize purchasing and financial systems to monitor purchasing activity and ensure data accuracy.
• Support audit preparation and ensure compliance with YMCA purchasing policies and internal controls.

• Partner with Finance, Housing, Facilities, Operations, and branch leadership on purchasing initiatives and special projects.
• Provide guidance and support related to purchasing procedures, vendor management, and procurement best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing workflows, operational efficiency, and vendor performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the YMCA of the North Shore.

At the YMCA, you'll do more than manage purchasing-you'll help ensure our resources are used wisely so we can continue making a positive impact throughout the communities we serve.

• Free YMCA Family Membership
• Employee discounts on YMCA programs, childcare, camps, and services
• Health and dental insurance for eligible full-time employees
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• 12% employer-funded retirement contribution (no employee match required)
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• The opportunity to collaborate with leaders across multiple YMCA branches and programs while supporting a mission-driven organization

If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for procurement, vendor management, and operational excellence, we'd love to have you on our team.

Apply today and help the YMCA of the North Shore maximize resources, strengthen partnerships, and make a lasting impact throughout our communities.

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  Minimum of 2 years of administrative experience; purchasing experience strongly preferred

  
  
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  Strong computer proficiency, including Excel, with the ability to quickly learn new systems

  
  
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  Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team

  
  
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  Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

  
  
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  Deadline-driven with strong time management skills

  
  
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  Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  
  
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  Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and follow-through

  
  
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  Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

  
  

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  Frequent use of a computer and phone/smart device for extended periods of time

  
  
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  Primarily sedentary role requiring prolonged sitting, reaching, and occasional standing

  
  
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  Occasional lifting or moving of items up to 10 pounds

  
  
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  Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus

  
  
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  Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment

  
  

The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran's status.