The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA) seeks a creative and proactive manager to lead its Group Purchasing Service (GPS). This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced self-starter with purchasing experience, including marketing, outreach, and vendor management, to strengthen an essential service for our member agencies.
Originated in 1943, GPS was initially designed to help agencies cope with the scarcity of goods created by World War II. Operating continuously since, GPS now has 300 purchasing partners consisting of non-profits and places of worship throughout NYC that leverage their cooperative purchasing power to ensure the best product for the most reasonable price. As purchasing partners maximize their cooperative purchasing power they operate in a more efficient manner and save money that is vital to increasing their program operations. The manager is responsible for the overall operation of GPS and serves as the liaison between GPS’ purchasing partners and vendors.
The manager will be expected to establish a strategy to implement realistic goals for increased partnerships, volume, and revenue growth. Additionally, the manager will develop and execute mechanisms to track partner participation, ensure appropriate reporting, and identify opportunities for future growth. The manager will also be responsible for re-establishing relationships with lapsed purchasing partners, increasing usage by current partners, and recruiting new purchasing partners. The successful candidate will also manage all aspects of vendor relations including conducting competitive bids, developing opportunities in new product areas, and establishing funding partnerships with key suppliers. As a member of the Member Initiatives Unit within the Policy and Program Department, the manager is expected to work collaboratively with others to engage and strengthen FPWA member organizations.
The successful candidate will possess an entrepreneurial spirit with professional administrative and marketing experience. Specifically, the right candidate will have:
1. A baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college in business, marketing, public administration, finance, accounting, or other fields related to the objectives of the program
2. A minimum of two years of satisfactory full-time professional experience in one or a combination of the following: purchasing, economic or financial administration; sales and business development; wholesale or retail marketing; vendor management; program management and administration; fiscal management; or in a related area
3. At least one year experience in an executive, managerial, administrative, or supervisory capacity
4. Proven experience in vendor management and/or customer relations (direct retail or wholesale is a plus)
5. Experience in the creation and implementation of business plans
6. Excellent computer skills with prior experience of creation and maintenance of database information
7. Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills with the ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy while enjoying working as part of a team
8. Strong negotiation skills
9. Demonstrated ability for general budgeting and accounting
10. A proactive, results oriented attitude with proven ability to manage multiple tasks and properly measure success
11. Interest in the work of FPWA and commitment to the mission of assisting in the service of New York Cities neediest and most vulnerable citizens.
Overall work experience in the non-profit environment is considered a plus.
ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
FPWA is a membership organization that works to build the capacity of the almost 200 human services agencies and affiliated churches in our network and to advocate for policies, legislation and budgets which support social and economic justice, on behalf of those whom they serve.
COMPENSATION
We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits. To apply please send a current resume, including salary requirements to the attention of Emma Guzman at jobs@fpwa.org
FPWA is an equal opportunity employer.
