Procurement Project Manager

Summary

We are seeking a Procurement Project Manager with a strong procurement or buying background to manage the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council’s (MMSDC) MatchMaker365 (MM365) platform. This proprietary tool utilizes advanced technology to deliver real-time sourcing results, effectively connecting purchasing professionals with qualified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) globally.

High-level Objectives:

• Sourcing Process Oversight:
• Identify, review, and approve match results daily, ensuring accuracy and relevance of connections made via the platform.
• Subscriber Recruitment:
• Actively recruit new subscribers to enhance platform engagement and expand the network of purchasing professionals and MBEs.
• Opportunity Identification:
• Proactively identify tangible purchasing opportunities for MBEs, maximizing their access to corporate buyers and enhancing overall procurement strategies.
• Event Coordination:
• Create and coordinate matchmaking and market test events to facilitate networking and sourcing initiatives between corporations and MBEs.
• Training and Development:
• Provide training for corporations, sector leaders, and MBEs to ensure effective use of the MM365 platform and maximize their participation and success.

As the Procurement Project Manager, you will be responsible for conducting demonstrations, onboarding, and training subscribers while providing ongoing support to ensure optimal platform utilization. Your role as a liaison between the council, our IT provider, and partnering organizations is critical to the success of MM365. This position requires a thorough understanding of sourcing techniques, procurement cycles, marketing strategies, and exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Your primary objective is to establish a robust pipeline of opportunities that effectively match qualified MBEs with potential buyers. You will provide regular performance reports to senior management and oversight committees, offering insights into sourcing effectiveness and platform usage.

This role is essential for driving continuous improvement and enhancing our matchmaking tool, ensuring seamless operations and achieving successful sourcing initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess the innovative mindset necessary to manage the matchmaking process strategically, aligning it with the MMSDC's organizational mission and objectives.

Key responsibilities and success will be measured by how well the Project Manager:

1.    Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment between MM365 goals and broader organizational initiatives.

2.    Develops a Comprehensive Procurement and Marketing Strategy: Creates a detailed strategy aimed at maximizing participation from both corporations and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). This strategy should focus on fostering growth and scaling MBE businesses across the U.S. and Mexico, ultimately enhancing their market presence and capacity.

3.    Collaborates with the Global Initiative Team: Works closely with the Global Initiative team to formulate a strategy that facilitates nearshoring and effective connectivity between the U.S. and Mexico. Ensures that all strategies adhere to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to promote compliant and beneficial trade practices.

4.    Promotes the Proprietary Matchmaking Platform: Actively drives and promotes the use of our proprietary matchmaking platform within the marketplace. This platform will serve as a critical tool for connecting purchasing professionals with qualified MBEs, enhancing procurement processes for corporations, and providing sourcing opportunities for businesses.

5.    Develops a Subscriber Recruitment Strategy: Creates a strategic plan for soliciting new subscribers to the MM365 platform, resulting in a pipeline of engaged users. This involves identifying target audiences and implementing outreach efforts that effectively communicate the platform's value. The development of the subscriber strategy includes creating a multi-level pricing model.

6.    Provides Training for Platform Utilization: Offers comprehensive training sessions for all subscribers to ensure optimal use of the matchmaking platform. This training should cover features, functionality, and best practices to maximize engagement and benefits.

7.    Educates MBEs on Profile Importance: Conducts training workshops for MBEs on the MM365 platform, emphasizing the significance of their profiles in achieving successful matches with corporate sourcing needs. This education will help them understand how to present their businesses effectively.

8.    Engages with the MBEIC: Maintains close collaboration with the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC) and remains engaged with MBEs across various sectors. This will ensure the accuracy of profile information, facilitating better connections within the MM365 platform.

9.    Organizes and Manages Matchmaking Events: Creates and coordinates matchmaking events tailored to connect MBEs with corporate buyers. Oversees the entire sourcing process, including the review and approval of matches to ensure quality and relevance.

10. Facilitates New Procurement Opportunities: Collaborates with corporations to identify and create new procurement opportunities through Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and facilitates competitive bidding processes. Note that Requests for Quotes (RFQs) will be managed by the buying organizations.

11. Ensures Efficient Operation of the Platform: Continues working with V2Soft and partnering organizations to guarantee efficient operation and timely updates of the matchmaking platform. This collaboration is essential for maintaining functionality and enhancing user experience.

12. Analyzes Sourcing Opportunities: Consistently analyzes sourcing opportunities within the platform and ensures the delivery of accurate and high-quality work products that support strategic goals.

13. Provides Comprehensive Support: Offers demos, onboarding sessions, and ongoing follow-up support to subscribers, ensuring they can navigate and utilize the platform effectively.

14. Measures and Reports Key Performance Metrics: Regularly assesses and reports key performance metrics to senior management. This role will require familiarity with project management frameworks (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools like Asana, Trello, or MS Project. This data will provide insights into platform usage, engagement levels, and overall impact.

15. Maintains Professional Standards: Upholds high standards of professionalism in all communications and interactions. This commitment to excellence will foster trust and enhance the reputation of the organization and the MM365 platform.

Requirements

Preferred Skills:

• 7-10 years of experience in procurement, sourcing processes, Marketing and project management.
• Strategic thinker and able to construct and maintain strategy for MM365, procurement and marketing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable using web-based applications.
• Strong analytical and computer skills to manage and produce purchasing data and reports. 
• Experience with CRM tools, procurement software, or data visualization platforms like Power BI or Tableau
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-starter capable of working independently without constant instruction.

·       Ability to develop a working relationship with multiple buyers, suppliers, and project managers across different geographic organizations and regions

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree or CPSM certification preferred.
• Project Management and High-Quality Customer Service experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and extremely resourceful.
• Proven ability to solve problems quickly and effectively.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office