Procurement Manager at Bell Bank in Fargo, ND

Job description

• This position is responsible for developing and executing enterprise sourcing and procurement strategies that support the organization's operational, financial, and strategic objectives. This role oversees supplier selection, contract management, spend optimization, risk mitigation, and procurement operations while building strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. The Manager leads procurement initiatives that ensure the timely delivery of quality goods and services, maximize value, and promote continuous improvement across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
• Develop and execute category management and sourcing strategies based on business requirements, spend analysis, market intelligence, and supply risk.
• Identify opportunities to optimize costs, improve service levels, and increase operational efficiency across assigned categories.
• Lead competitive sourcing events, including RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs, to support informed purchasing decisions.
• Conduct market research, benchmarking, and supplier analyses to support strategic procurement initiatives.
• Leverage procurement technologies, analytics, and industry best practices to improve sourcing effectiveness and decision-making.
• Develop cost-effective purchasing strategies for goods and services used throughout the organization.
• Supplier & Contract Management
• Evaluate supplier proposals and recommend vendor selections based on cost, quality, service, performance, and risk considerations.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, service level agreements (SLAs), and commercial terms to achieve favorable business outcomes.
• Establish, maintain, and manage supplier agreements throughout the contract lifecycle, including execution, compliance, renewals, and amendments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers and business partners.
• Monitor supplier performance through scorecards, business reviews, and performance metrics, implementing corrective actions when necessary.
• Financial, Risk & Compliance Management
• Analyze organizational spending patterns and procurement data to identify cost savings and process improvement opportunities.
• Conduct financial analyses, develop business cases, and establish benchmarks to support sourcing decisions and performance improvement.
• Track and report procurement savings, cost avoidance initiatives, and overall procurement performance to leadership.
• Develop and maintain supplier risk management processes to mitigate financial, operational, regulatory, and supply chain risks.
• Assess supplier financial stability, operational capabilities, and risk profiles.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contractual obligations, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Develop contingency plans to address supplier disruptions and supply shortages.
• Stakeholder Partnership & Procurement Operations
• Partner with business leaders and stakeholders to understand operational needs and develop effective sourcing solutions.
• Collaborate with Legal, Risk Management, Compliance, IT, Finance, Operations, and PMO teams to align procurement activities with organizational objectives.
• Provide regular updates and recommendations to leadership regarding sourcing initiatives, supplier performance, contract activities, and procurement results.
• Support the efficient acquisition and delivery of goods and services required for business operations.
• Promote continuous improvement of procurement processes, controls, and service delivery.
• Leadership & Team Development
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop team members, including sourcing analysts and procurement professionals.
• Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, and key performance indicators.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively and ensure alignment across procurement and sourcing activities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Support employee development through coaching, feedback, and professional growth opportunities.
• Bell Bank Culture, Policy and Accountability Standards
• Know and live Bell Bank’s values, bottom line, customer service standards, Golden Rules, and LOCBUTN by building personal connections with customers and employees and using their names as often as possible.
• Conduct activities consistent with established Bell Bank policies, procedures and systems, the Code of Conduct, the Bank Secrecy Act and all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• All employees are responsible for information security, including compliance with policies and standards which protect sensitive information.
• Prompt and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Operations, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, vendor management, supply chain management, or related disciplines.
• Professional procurement certification (e.g., CPSM, CPM, CSCP) preferred.
• Occasional travel required (up to 5%).
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills with the ability to achieve favorable commercial outcomes.
• Demonstrated analytical and financial acumen, including spend analysis, cost modeling, business case development, and total cost of ownership evaluation.
• Ability to influence, collaborate, and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups without direct authority.
• Proficiency with procurement technologies, supplier management tools, reporting platforms, and data analytics solutions.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously.
• Knowledge of supplier risk management, procurement governance, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and talent development capabilities.

Skills

Required

• Negotiation
• Communication
• Influence
• Collaboration
• Leadership
• Coaching
• Mentoring
• Organizational skills
• Project management
• Interpersonal skills
• Procurement technologies
• Supplier management tools

Benefits

• In addition to salary, Bell Bank offers a comprehensive benefits package including, healthcare, (medical, dental, vision) employee stock ownership program, and 401(k) contribution and profit-sharing plan. All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.