Interim Director of Purchasing – ERP Implementation Lead

Role: Interim Director of Purchasing – ERP Implementation Lead

Rate: $180/hr (1099 Contract)

Duration: 6-12 months (possible extension)

Location: Remote - limited travel expected for leadership alignment sessions, testing, deployment, as needed (5-10%)

Seeking an experienced Purchasing leader to serve as the Interim Director of Purchasing during a major Purchasing system modernization effort. Client is currently centralizing the Purchasing function and implementing a new ERP platform. Contractor commitments include driving strategy, execution, and governance for a centralized Purchasing function while supporting the implementation and deployment of a new Purchasing ERP/eProcurement processes and technology platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead a Purchasing function from the ground up, including designing the operating model, establishing sourcing and category management strategies, implementing procurement processes and governance, selecting and deploying procurement technologies, building supplier management frameworks, and recruiting and developing a high-performing procurement team that delivers measurable cost savings, risk mitigation, and operational value.
• Serve as the primary functional lead for the Purchasing system implementation, including requirements validation, design workshops, configuration feedback, testing, deployment readiness, and user adoption.
• Update and streamline Purchasing policies, processes, controls, and documentation to align with future-state system capabilities.
• Oversee vendor selection, negotiations, contract renewals, and supplier performance tracking.
• Collaborate with Finance, IT, and other departmental leaders to define purchasing requirements and drive consistent, compliant processes.
• Provide coaching and direction to Purchasing staff and business users to ensure readiness for go-live and post-deployment stabilization.
• Deliver executive-level reporting on Purchasing performance, implementation progress, risks, and decision needs.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of full-cycle Purchasing experience with strong command of sourcing, contracting, and supplier management.
• Proven experience leading or supporting ERP/e-Purchasing system implementations (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Infor, Workday, Coupa, Jaggaer, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience building and leading a Purchasing organization from the ground up, including establishing strategy, processes, supplier management, and a high-performing team.
• Strong understanding of Purchasing controls, documentation, workflow design, and integration with accounting/finance.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365
• Ability to influence executives, facilitate workshops, manage stakeholders, and operate effectively in a fast-moving implementation environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and vendor-facing skills.
• Ability to travel occasionally (generally 10-15%) for steering, testing, deployment, or vendor engagements.

Preferred

· Background strengthening Purchasing organizations during transformation or ERP upgrades.

· Successful experience working remotely.

· Recent Interim or Fractional Leadership experience.

Conversion will be considered with relocation and onsite work week.

Remote

About the Company

Blue Star Partners LLC