Manager, Central Functions

What you’ll do

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

The Procurement Central Functions Manager is responsible for overseeing the central operational and strategic functions that support the procurement team across the organization. This role focuses on managing key activities such as procurement policy governance, data analytics, systems optimization, supplier risk management, and reporting. The Procurement Central Functions Manager ensures that procurement strategies align with corporate objectives, driving efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement in the procurement process.

Governance & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain procurement policies and procedures that align with corporate goals and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies across all business units, providing guidance and conducting regular audits to monitor adherence.
• Manage procurement documentation standards to ensure consistent record-keeping and transparency.

Procurement Strategy & Process Improvement

• Work closely with senior procurement leadership to support the development and execution of procurement strategies.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement operations, streamline workflows, and optimize supplier performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive procurement innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Supplier Risk & Performance Management

• Establish and oversee supplier performance monitoring systems, including KPIs and scorecards, to ensure vendors meet company standards.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate supplier-related risks, including financial, operational, sustainability and reputational risks.
• Implement best practices for supplier relationship management (SRM) and facilitate regular supplier evaluations.

Data Analytics & Reporting

• Lead the development of procurement analytics capabilities, leveraging data to inform decision-making and drive procurement excellence.
• Generate and present reports on key procurement metrics such as cost savings, compliance, supplier performance, and category spend.
• Support senior leadership with insights and data-driven recommendations to optimize procurement strategies.

Procurement Systems Management

• Oversee the management and continuous improvement of procurement tools and systems, such as ERP systems, procurement software, and eProcurement platforms.
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure that systems are effectively integrated and that system users receive appropriate training and support.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives aimed at automating procurement processes and enhancing data accuracy and reporting.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a liaison between procurement and other departments (e.g., finance, legal, and IT) to ensure alignment and coordination of procurement activities.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure procurement policies, processes, and systems are effectively implemented.
• Support business units by providing procurement expertise and ensuring that central procurement functions meet their needs.

Budgeting & Financial Oversight

• Contribute to the management of the procurement budget and headcount resources by monitoring category spend, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Analyze procurement spending trends and collaborate with stakeholders to develop cost-effective procurement strategies.

Location & Travel Expectations: The responsibilities of this role require attendance at in-person meetings and events regularly. This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, MI. Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring:

Personal Qualities & Abilities:

• High integrity and professionalism
• Able to effectively collaborate in a team setting with other functions/departments
• Business and performance driven
• Ability to adapt in an ambiguous and fact-paced environment
• Strong planning and analytical skills
• Strategic thinking & understanding
• Positive mindset

• Proactivity and the ability to work across multiple workstreams
• A passion for creating something new      
• Ability to find creative solutions to complex problems
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organization

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, with a focus on central functions or procurement strategy.
• Strong knowledge of procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Ivalua, Oracle), processes, and supplier management tools.
• Proven experience in implementing procurement governance, compliance, and process improvements.
• Strong data analytics skills, with the ability to leverage data for decision-making and reporting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Ability to manage supplier risks, improve performance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or advanced certification in procurement or supply chain management (e.g., CIPS, CPSM).
• Experience with procurement transformation projects, particularly in digital systems and automation.
• Proficiency in procurement analytics tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
• Experience working in a global or multi-regional procurement environment.

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave
• Corporate Vehicle Program with:
  • Eligibility for 1 assigned vehicle
  • A mobility stipend

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $130,000-$155,000

Internal leveling code: M8

Notice to applicants:

• Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 
• Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. 
• Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.