Confidential - Procurement Manager

This is a confidential search on behalf of our Client. Client name will be provided during the initial phone screening.

Our client is seeking an experienced procurement professional to serve as Procurement Manager supporting nonprofit organizations within the health and human services sector in the Chicago area. The Procurement Manager will lead compliant, efficient, and strategic procurement practices within a complex, grant-funded environment. This role plays a critical part in ensuring responsible stewardship of public and private funding while strengthening procurement systems, vendor relationships, and operational accountability.

The Procurement Manager will oversee procurement activities and vendor management across multiple nonprofit client environments, ensuring the compliant, timely, and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services. This role serves as a key client-facing partner, helping to strengthen procurement practices, mitigate risk, and support mission-driven operations.

This role is well suited for a hands‑on, detail-oriented leader with deep knowledge of nonprofit and government-funded procurement requirements, particularly 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, and the ability to build strong internal and external relationships.

The Procurement Manager will oversee day-to-day purchasing, contracting, and vendor management activities for assigned clients, ensuring accuracy, transparency, cost effectiveness, and compliance with federal, state, and local funding requirements. The position partners closely with client finance and operations leadership, as well as internal accounting and service delivery teams, to deliver high-quality procurement support and insight.

This role may provide guidance and oversight to a small procurement support team, ensuring consistent execution of procurement processes, contract management, and service standards. The Procurement Manager plays a critical role in strengthening systems, improving efficiencies, and supporting responsible stewardship of organizational resources.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and solutions-oriented professional with strong procurement expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to influence stakeholders within complex, mission-oriented nonprofit environments.

• Serve as the primary procurement partner for assigned nonprofit clients, ensuring timely, compliant acquisition of goods and services.
• Develop, implement, and refine procurement policies, procedures, and strategies aligned with client operations and funding requirements.
• Establish and manage a roster of preferred vendors through compliant contracting and competitive bidding processes.
• Lead contract negotiations, including pricing, terms, and service level agreements, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and other applicable regulations.
• Oversee contract lifecycle management, including approvals, monitoring, amendments, and renewals.
• Conduct cost analyses and identify opportunities for savings, efficiencies, and process improvements.
• Review purchase orders and invoices to ensure accuracy, contract alignment, and compliance with grant and funding rules.
• Issue purchase orders, track assets, and monitor fulfillment to ensure timely delivery.
• Develop and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs), including drafting specifications, evaluating submissions, preparing recommendations, and negotiating final agreements.
• Monitor purchasing activity to assess vendor performance, pricing competitiveness, and service quality.
• Address client inquiries and resolve procurement-related issues promptly, escalating matters as appropriate to internal leadership.
• Utilize procurement systems, ERP platforms, Excel, and collaboration tools to document and manage procurement activities.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local procurement standards impacting nonprofit organizations.
• Build a strong understanding of each client’s mission, programs, and operating context to serve as a trusted advisor.

• Provide oversight, guidance, and quality control for procurement deliverables produced by a small team.
• Mentor team members and support professional…