The Purchasing Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the procurement and supply chain operations at Houston Zoo, ensuring timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services while developing, implementing, and coordinating policies and programs required by the zoo. The Purchasing Supervisor leads a team including the Warehouse Clerk and Buyer(s) to support organizational needs and maintain operational efficiency. This position supports the Purchasing Manager and assumes departmental oversight in the manager’s absence to implement best practices, maintain vendor relationships, and ensure compliance with organizational policies and industry standards while exercising independent judgment.
Our Mission:
- Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision:
- Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Manages and utilizes the complex procurement system COUPA to handle purchasing needs, including system navigation, invoice reconciliation, and approval of requisitions for all zoo departments.
- Ensures purchasing warehouse is organized, operates safely and complies with best practices for inventory staging, handling and control.
- Oversees the zoo’s uniform process, including coordination with department leaders for new uniform orders, replacements, inventory control and distribution to staff.
- Leads purchasing department staff, including hiring, training, and conducting performance evaluations. Defines role responsibilities and duties for team members, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering professional development opportunities.
- Creates and delivers weekly KPRs (key performance reports) to the Purchasing Manager to track and assess purchasing and warehouse operations, including cost savings, inventory levels, supplier performance, and process efficiency.
- Develops and implements programs to optimize the use of financial resources by identifying cost saving opportunities, streamlining procurement processes, and eliminating inefficiencies.
- Sources, evaluates, and selects vendors to supply goods and services ensuring quality, cost effectiveness, sustainability, and alignment with organizational brand and best practices.
- Oversees the organization’s vehicle fleet, ensuring safety checks, regular inspections, proper maintenance, and readiness for staff use.
- Interfaces with zoo staff to identify and address supply and service needs, trains staff in the purchasing system, ensuring that all departments have the resources necessary to operate effectively.
- Collaborates with the Finance team to reconcile purchasing records and resolve discrepancies.
- Monitors and manages inventory levels, ensuring the timely availability of critical supplies. Reconciles inventory levels as needed.
- Oversees the purchase of specialized goods including animal diets. habitat materials, vet supplies, etc.
- Supports the Manger of Procurement with strategic initiatives and special projects.
- Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions.
- Capable of becoming a COUPA superuser and providing training to others.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in procurement, purchasing, warehouse management, or supply chain operations, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory role.
- Strong proficiency in procurement software, vendor management systems and Microsoft Office Suite, with a particular emphasis on Excel.
- Advanced negotiation and vendor management skills within a professional setting.
- Thorough knowledge of current purchasing practices, including sourcing supplier evaluation, and compliance standards.
- Knowledge of warehouse safety protocols and best practices.
- Knowledge of accounts payable (AP) and bookkeeping skills.
ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO
- The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education!
- There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment.
- Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests.
- We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
- Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
