Contracts & Purchasing Analyst

Contracts & Purchasing Analyst Job-Type Full-Time Position Summary: The Contracts and Purchasing Analyst serves as the organization's primary resource for procurement, purchasing operations, vendor management, and contract administration. This position is responsible for leading purchasing activities across the organization, ensuring cost-effective acquisition of goods and services, establishing purchasing efficiencies, and supporting operational excellence through strategic sourcing practices. The Contracts and Purchasing Analyst oversees the review, negotiation, execution, tracking, and renewal of routine organizational agreements and vendor contracts within established authority thresholds. This position is responsible for maintaining strong vendor relationships, ensuring compliance with organizational purchasing policies, monitoring contract performance, and identifying opportunities to improve purchasing processes and reduce organizational costs. Job Duties: Coordinate the organization's purchasing and procurement functions for goods, services, equipment, software, and operational needs. Develop and implement purchasing strategies that support organizational goals and maximize value. Evaluate purchasing requests and provide recommendations regarding vendors, products, services, pricing, and procurement approaches. Identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiencies, standardize procurement practices, and reduce organizational expenses. Negotiate pricing, terms, service levels, and purchasing agreements with vendors and suppliers. Manage the review, administration, renewal, and termination of routine vendor agreements and service contracts within established authority thresholds. Maintain a centralized contract management system and purchasing records repository. Monitor vendor performance and service delivery to ensure contractual obligations are met. Collaborate with legal counsel, executive leadership, and department leaders on contracts that exceed approval thresholds or require specialized review. Ensure purchasing activities comply with organizational policies, grant requirements, funding restrictions, and regulatory requirements. Develop purchasing policies, procedures, and best practices to support organizational consistency and accountability. Prepare reports and analyses regarding purchasing trends, vendor utilization, contract renewals, cost savings, and procurement performance. Assist departments with vendor selection, purchasing decisions, and contract-related inquiries. Maintain positive working relationships with vendors, suppliers, contractors, and internal stakeholders. Provide training and guidance to managers regarding purchasing processes and procurement requirements. Ensure all assigned projects, purchasing activities, and contract reviews are completed accurately and within established timelines. Perform other job-related duties as assigned. Required Skills/Abilities: Strong knowledge of procurement, purchasing, vendor management, and contract administration principles. Demonstrated ability to negotiate favorable pricing, terms, and service agreements. Excellent project management and organizational skills. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong relationship-building skills with internal stakeholders and external vendors. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, etc. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent discretion. Ability to balance strategic procurement initiatives with day-to-day operational needs. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive organizational information. Participate in Performance & Quality Improvement (PQI) activities as assigned. Regular and predictable attendance, and promptness for work. Commitment to uphold the mission, vision, values of Lutheran Family Services. Support Lutheran Family Services in the organization’s objective to be an inclusive and accessible workplace. Position Competencies: Analytical Thinking Negotiation Initiative Relationship Building Communication Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Finance, Operations Management, Public Administration, or a related field preferred. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing, procurement, or contract administration, required. Experience negotiating vendor agreements and managing contract renewals required. Experience developing policies, procedures, and process improvements preferred. Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Hybrid work environment (in office, in community, and remote). Company-issued laptop and cell phone. Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends to meet client needs (as directed). Lutheran Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of age, race, religion, color, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.