Purchasing Manager

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART

As the first museum to focus exclusively on storytelling through images, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes that visual storytelling can connect us and help shape a more just society. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the Lucas Museum will explore narrative art’s potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.

Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson and led by director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum’s 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Purchasing Manager shall oversee all aspects of the Museum’s procurement and vendor management. The Purchasing Manager will play a crucial role in ensuring all stages of planning as well as pre- and post-launch operations of the Museum by sourcing high-quality goods and services while strictly adhering to budgetary considerations and organizational goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with the museum's mission and objectives.
• Identify and evaluate potential vendors, negotiate contracts, and establish beneficial relationships to secure favorable terms and pricing.
• Manage the procurement process from requisition to delivery, ensuring timely and cost-effective purchasing of goods and services.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, contracts, and vendor performance metrics.
• Collaborate with department heads to understand their purchasing needs and provide guidance on procurement best practices.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with relevant departments to optimize stock levels and minimize waste.
• Stay informed about market trends, new products, and industry developments to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Implement sustainable and environmentally friendly purchasing practices wherever possible.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and internal policies, including ethical sourcing and diversity initiatives.
• Continuously evaluate and improve purchasing processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Analyzing: Analyzes numerical data, verbal data and all other sources of information; breaks information into component parts, patterns and relationships; probes for further information or greater understanding of a problem; makes strong judgments from the available information and analysis; produces workable solutions to a range of problems; demonstrates an understanding of how one issue may be a part of a much larger system.
• Adhering to Principles and Values: Upholds ethics and values; demonstrates integrity; promotes and defends equal opportunities, builds diverse teams; encourages organizational and individual responsibility towards the museum stewardship.
• Presenting and Communicating Information: Communicates well; expresses opinions, information, and key points of an argument clearly.
• Adapting and Responding to Change: Adapts to changing circumstances; readily accepts new ideas and changes in initiatives; adapts interpersonal style to suit different people or situations; shows respect and sensitivity towards differences; deals with ambiguity, making positive use of the opportunities it presents.
• Partnering: Earns the respect of internal clients by serving as a valued partner.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum 5 years in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management.
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of achieving cost savings and favorable terms.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to build and maintain relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data and trends.
• Proficiency in procurement software &/or procurement modules of ERP systems.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing procurement practices.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts.

SKILLS

• Strong skills using the Microsoft Suite of products (Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Hands-on approach with attention to detail, organization, reliability and a get-it-done attitude.
• A collaborative team player with highly developed interpersonal skills who can relate to diverse internal and external audiences.
• Strong partnership and collaborative style with outstanding communication skills (written, verbal and presentation).
• Must be able to work independently and maintain a high level of productivity.
• Self-motivated and highly experienced with multi-tasking.

ABILITIES

• Ability to work with individuals to articulate an understanding of the business through the numbers.
• Ability to command credibility and influence outcomes at the highest levels of an organization.
• Ability to think strategically and act tactically.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.