Contracts and Procurement Manager

About KIND 

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. 

Building on its extensive programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children. Our work focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children.

Position Summary

KIND seeks a Contracts and Procurement Manager. The Contracts and Procurement Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the contracting, procurement and purchasing activities for KIND. The incumbent will supervise lower-level contracts and procurement officers and work closely with project teams, Finance, stakeholders, and vendors to ensure compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); 2 CFR 200, and KIND procurement and purchasing policies; and other applicable procurement regulations. The Contracts and Procurement Manager will also focus on achieving cost savings, maintaining high-quality procurement services, and ensuring efficient contract execution. 

This position reports to the Senior Director, Finance, Contracts and Compliance. 

Note: Hiring for this position is contingent upon KIND being awarded funding under a 5-year government contract.  

This a headquarters position based remotely from any location in the U.S.

• Contracts and Procurement 
• Develops and implements a comprehensive procurement and purchasing strategy aligned with the goals and requirements of a large, international non-profit.   
• Coordinates with project teams and stakeholders to determine procurement needs and objectives. 
• Ensures all procurement activities adhere to the strict guidelines and requirements of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 2 CFR 200 and other relevant procurement regulations, as well as develop and enforce policies and procedures that promote compliance. 
• Reviews and approves purchase requisitions and purchase orders to ensure they are in compliance with contract terms, budgetary limitations, and regulatory requirements; and monitor delivery schedules and resolve any issues or discrepancies. 
• Monitors and controls procurement expenditure, ensuring adherence to allocated budgets and cost-saving initiatives.  
• Collaborates with finance and accounting teams to manage financial aspects of procurement activities. 
• Maintains accurate and complete procurement documentation, records, and reports in accordance with regulatory requirements and KIND policies and procedures.   
• Generates regular reports on procurement activities, expenditure, and compliance metrics. 
• Collaborates with project teams, Finance and other stakeholders to manage contract amendments, modifications, and change orders. Ensure compliance with the FAR and contract terms during the contract lifecycle. 

• Vendor Management 
• Oversee the vendor selection process, conducting market research, soliciting bids, negotiating contracts, and managing relationships with vendors. Ensure vendors are qualified and capable of meeting the requirements under funded projects (e.g. Local, State and Federal government). 
• Conducts due diligence assessments, evaluating their financial stability, reputation, and capacity to deliver high-quality products or services. 
• Negotiates and establishes contracts with vendors, ensuring favorable terms and conditions for KIND while maintaining positive supplier relationships. 
• Monitors and evaluates vendor performance, including adherence to service level agreements (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs), and contractual obligations. 
• Identifies and mitigates risks associated with vendor relationships, including financial, operational, and reputational risks. 
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with vendors, fostering collaboration, open communication, and trust. 
• Addresses and resolves vendor-related issues, complaints, or disputes in a timely and professional manner. 
• Ensures vendor compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies, including data privacy, security, and ethical standards. 
• Develops and presents regular reports on vendor performance, cost savings, and other relevant metrics to support informed decision-making. 
• Provides guidance and training to staff on vendor management policies, procedures, and best practices. 
• Regularly reviews and optimizes vendor management processes and systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness. 
• Identifies and implements cost-saving opportunities through negotiations, process improvements, and strategic sourcing initiatives. 

• Leadership and Management 
• Provides leadership and supervision to a team of procurement officers, overseeing their day-to-day activities, setting performance goals, conducting performance evaluations, and providing professional development opportunities. 
• Collaborates with project managers, Senior Leadership, Finance and other stakeholders to support decision-making and procurement planning.   
• Identifies opportunities to streamline procurement processes, enhance efficiency, and improve internal controls while maintaining compliance. 
• Ensures a high level of customer service by effectively communicating with internal and external stakeholders and addressing any procurement and purchasing queries or concerns in a timely manner. 
• Identifies and mitigate procurement risks, such as supply chain disruptions, vendor performance failures, and non-compliance issues; and implement risk management strategies to safeguard KIND.   
• Stays updated on best practices, industry standards, and changes in procurement regulations. Continuously evaluates and improves procurement processes, policies, and procedures to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance. 

• Graduate degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field. Advanced degree is preferred. 
• Minimum of six (6) years of experience in procurement and purchasing in a non-profit or NGO in similar size and budget as KIND, including experience managing procurement activities under Federal government acquisition awards (e.g. Contracts).
• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) are desired.  
• Excellent knowledge of 2 CFR 200, cost principals, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other relevant procurement regulations applicable to Federal, Local and State government entities. 
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop a procurement team and evaluate staff performance.  
• Advanced negotiation skills, capable of achieving favorable terms, competitive pricing, and cost savings. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with project teams, stakeholders, vendors, and internal departments. 
• Familiarity with procurement software and systems is desirable. 
• Expertise in risk management within procurement operations. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. 
• Ability to prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (such as Teams, Excel, etc.).
• Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment; ability to prioritize tasks and delegate as appropriate.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.
• Commitment to prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as embracing transparency and authenticity in daily work life.
• Be disciplined and nimble to ensure delivery on our core mission of access to justice and protection of children’s wellbeing and rights.
• Ability to multitask and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance.
• Experience working and communicating in a remote environment. 

Our Benefits

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with KIND paying 100% of the employee only portion of the premium for one of the two medical plan options, dental, and vision. 

- Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) for both medical and dependent care.  

- Pre-tax transit and parking spending account.  

- Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.  

- Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance.  

For a complete list of benefits, please click here. 

Our Focus on Wellness

KIND recognizes that our ability to help our clients starts with helping our team members. KIND has prioritized wellness for employees through Mindfulness and Wellness Trainings, Wellness Platforms, Employee Assistance and Resilience Programs, Time Away and Office Wellness Activities. 

For more information regarding our Wellness initiatives please visit this link.  

Application Instructions

To be considered for this role, please submit an employment application at supportkind.org/join-the-team, along with your resume and cover letter.

KIND has an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit the following website: https://supportkind.org/join-the-team/kind-employment-practices/.