Purchasing Manager

The University Purchasing Manager is responsible for directing the procurement of goods and services for Ateneo de Davao University in a manner that is efficient, transparent, and aligned with the institution’s goals. The role includes the critical responsibility of maintaining and monitoring the inventory of procured assets, ensuring that all university resources are properly tracked, safeguarded, and optimized for use. At the same time, this position is expected to bring a forward-looking approach to purchasing and inventory management by embracing artificial intelligence and digital tools that can transform operational processes.

Key Responsibilities

The Purchasing Manager oversees the entire cycle of procurement, from evaluating suppliers and negotiating contracts to ensuring compliance with university policies and local regulations. In this capacity, the manager ensures that all purchases meet the required quality standards and are delivered on time and within budget. Alongside procurement, the role includes the stewardship of procured assets, requiring the establishment and maintenance of systems for tagging, tracking, and reconciling all acquisitions. The manager is expected to collaborate with the Physical Plant and Finance Offices to maintain accurate records of utilization, coordinate maintenance schedules, and implement responsible procedures for asset retirement or disposal.

This position requires a strong commitment to ethical and transparent practices. The Purchasing Manager must ensure that all purchasing and inventory activities remain audit-ready, properly documented, and consistent with the values of the university. The role also involves close collaboration with suppliers and service providers, as well as regular communication with academic and administrative units, to ensure that their operational needs are met effectively.

A distinguishing expectation of this role is the openness to learning and integrating artificial intelligence into procurement and inventory processes. The manager is expected to explore tools for demand forecasting, vendor analytics, and automated asset tracking, as well as to lead efforts in digitizing workflows that reduce reliance on manual paperwork. By doing so, the office will gradually move toward data-driven decision-making and streamlined operations.

Finally, the Purchasing Manager must cultivate a culture of digital literacy within the procurement team. Training and development initiatives should be introduced to ensure staff are competent in using AI-assisted platforms, enterprise resource systems, and digital dashboards. By keeping abreast of global trends in procurement and inventory control, the manager ensures that the university remains adaptive and capable of meeting both present and future challenges

Qualifications

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related discipline, with a master’s degree considered an advantage. A minimum of five years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain management is necessary, along with proven knowledge of vendor management, compliance standards, and asset inventory systems. The successful candidate must demonstrate openness to adopting artificial intelligence and digital innovations in procurement and inventory operations, and must possess proficiency in using ERP systems, asset management software, and other collaborative online tools. Strong leadership skills are essential, as well as the ability to negotiate effectively with vendors, manage conflict constructively, and communicate clearly both in writing and in person. The candidate must also show emotional stability, resilience under pressure, and the capacity to handle stress without compromising decision-making or relationships. The Purchasing Manager is expected to uphold the Jesuit values of integrity, stewardship, and service.

Competencies

The Purchasing Manager must be capable of strategic thinking, adaptability, and analytical decision-making grounded in data. The role requires an innovative mindset for digital transformation, accountability in asset inventory management, and the ability to work effectively with different offices of the university. The position also demands skill in negotiation and conflict management, sound judgment under pressure, and strong interpersonal communication. Emotional steadiness and the ability to remain professional in challenging situations are critical, as is the readiness to foster collaborative relationships across diverse teams. The position demands a continuous learning orientation, with a readiness to explore new methods and technologies that will enhance the purchasing and inventory functions of Ateneo de Davao University.