Manager of Strategic Purchasing

Company: KIPP DC
Location: Washington
Posted on: February 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Manager of Strategic Purchasing Job Summary The Manager of Strategic Purchasing role is an integral part of the Finance and Accounting team, serving as an expert in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and overall purchasing for the organization while maintaining compliance with internal controls and policies. This person plays a critical role in ensuring that KIPP DC remains in good standing with the Public Charter School Board (PCSB) and other outside agencies by training staff on internal purchasing policies and supporting in selecting the best suppliers. This person is a key contributor in procurement operations within Workday, including requisition and supplier contract review, PO issuance, and comprehensive end user support. This person is also responsible for identifying and capitalizing on opportunities to leverage scale and supplier relationships to drive cost-savings, standardization, and efficiencies in the purchasing process. The starting salary range for this role is $86,280-$93,782 This is full-time with hybrid flexibility role based at HDQ with an anticipated start date of April 2026. About KIPP DC For 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital. Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff. Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike. As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C. Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community. About the Role The Manager of Strategic Purchasing plays an important role in the KIPP DC finance team, ensuring compliance with internal and external procurement policies and procedures, managing the overall purchasing process for the entire network, and collaborating with a number of cross-functional teams to support their purchasing. The Manager of Strategic Purchasing also strategically sources and manages suppliers, ensuring KIPP DC obtains the best possible value and partnerships. Location and Type of Work This is an exempt position and will report to the Senior Director of Strategic Purchasing. As a headquarters team that is focused on being responsive to our schools and meeting the needs of our students and families, we approach our work in a way that reflects these priorities. This position will generally work independently and not regularly interface with students, families, or school teams. This position will primarily work from our headquarters office to maintain a connection to their colleagues and foster a sense of cross-functional collaboration. Because of the nature of this position’s work, this role allows for hybrid flexibility and will be required to be onsite 1 day per week. Responsibilities The percentages for each key responsibility are estimates, and other duties may be assigned. Flexibility and responsiveness are encouraged to accommodate organizational needs. Procurement Operations, Compliance, and Training (60% of time) Serve as KIPP DC’s procurement policy and process expert to ensure internal and external compliance (PCSB, Uniform Guidance): Ensure timely reporting Manage the Request for Proposals (RFP) process which includes coordinating with different teams, providing guidance and technical support, and leading the execution of public-facing tasks to ensure organizational transparency and regulatory compliance. Review and consolidate internal Finance Committee memos for approval by the Board Finance Committee. Organize and manage systems to track all active procurement compliance activity Lead the federal grant procurement process which includes coordinating with other teams to collect documentation, reviewing reimbursement requests, and managing a tracking system of all active grant funded procurement activity. Assist with developing new and updating existing policies and procedures. Manage Workday’s procurement module and support end users: Lead the daily purchasing activities to ensure proper approvals, completeness, and compliance with established requirements and guidelines. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand purchasing needs, ensure policy adherence, and resolve procurement-related issues within Workday. Serve as the primary resource to schools and departments regarding all aspects of the purchasing process, including requisitions, contracts, and purchase orders. Manage and respond to assigned tickets in the internal customer service platform. Generate and analyze standard and ad-hoc reports from Workday to support procurement analysis and operational needs (e.g., open POs, spend by supplier). Train and support teams across KIPP DC regarding procurement policies, procedures, and systems, including: Design and lead RFP and grant procurement trainings including creating and updating resources. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to monitor requests, anticipate needs, and advise on procurement procedures and policies. Support with Workday training, resources, and best practices. Lead Finance & Accounting team trainings, programs, and other special events. Strategic Sourcing and Vendor Management (30% of time) Participate in and coordinate KIPP DC’s strategic sourcing strategy, including: Identify and execute on cost savings opportunities network wide through price and program evaluation and bulk/mass purchasing. Support cross-functional teams with supplier selection to ensure the supplier who can provide the best value to KIPP DC is selected. Negotiate and review contracts in collaboration with legal and internal stakeholders. Lead KIPP DC’s supplier management program: Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers, fostering open communication and mutual understanding. Monitor supplier performance, identify areas of improvement, and drive accountability. Manage and update the KIPP DC preferred supplier database. Develop and implement strategies to expand KIPP DC’s engagement with minority and women-owned businesses in the purchasing process. Special Projects (10% of time) Lead special projects, as needed, that may include: Improving systems and processes network wide. Increasing efficiencies based on stakeholder feedback. Cost savings opportunities. Requirements & Preferences Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree with at least 2 years of relevant experience in procurement of goods/services and supplier relationships OR a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience without a bachelor’s degree Preferred Qualifications A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in procurement of goods and services, contract management, and/or supplier relationships Federal grants procurement experience K-12 education and/or non-profit experience Procurement-related software experience, including creating and issuing purchase orders (experience with Workday a plus) Proficiency in Microsoft Excel Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Excellent time management skills and a detail- and results-oriented team player Demonstrated Excellence in the Following Areas: Commitment to Students and Schools: Demonstrates commitment to education reform, believing in every child's potential for success and prioritizing students, schools, and the essential role of families. Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: Finds creative solutions to challenges that achieve broader goals of team and organization. Project Management: Sets a high bar for own work and supports others to achieve desired team outcomes. Communications and Influence: Demonstrates adept communication skills and influence to advance work by adjusting content and style. Teamwork: Contributes to a supportive team culture, fostering diverse work styles and maintaining a high performance standard. Trust and Collaboration: Establishes and nurtures effective relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders to support the best outcomes for our work. Cultural Humility: Advances KIPP DC’s commitment to anti-racism by creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all stakeholders. Continuous Learning: Commits to continuous learning through feedback, self reflection, humility, and action. Benefits & Compensation KIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package: The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $86,280-$93,782. At KIPP DC we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. When determining salaries we look at benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector. KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical. KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law. Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information. Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application or fail to receive a confirmation email after applying, kindly reach out to Danica Cunningham at danica.cunningham@kippdc.org. Please include your name, resume, and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused. Powered by JazzHR FA7gqnQ89S

Keywords: KIPP DC, Sterling , Manager of Strategic Purchasing, Accounting, Auditing , Washington, Virginia