PROCUREMENT MANAGER LATAM

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Job overview:

We are now looking for a Procurement Manager to join our LATAM Procurement Team in our dynamic and multi-cultural Production Headquarters in Panama City, Panama.

As a part of the Procurement team, your responsibility will be to manage a team of Buyers responsible for procuring cost-effective and qualitative services and solutions for activities, accommodation, transport, and meals - all while keeping our customer’s experience at the forefront.

Key Responsibilities:

In your role as Procurement Manager, your number one job will be to make sure you have a strong and motivated team that consistently ensures a memorable experience for our customers.

Procurement, Negotiation & Contracting – leading negotiations of pricing and commercial terms for the assigned categories, geographies, and suppliers, while also scouting the market for potential new suppliers
Cost and Quality Management – meeting cost and process efficiency targets by giving EF access to favorable pricing and conditions whilst maintaining a high standard of quality and customer satisfaction
Inventory Management – analyzing, procuring, and processing adequate inventory levels to meet forecasted demand
Strategy & Execution – actively participating in setting and delivering on mid to long term strategic direction and supplier segmentation for the area of responsibility
Category Management – implementing a category management approach, continuously expanding the know-how for the assigned categories and geographical regions
Supplier Relationship Management – managing relationships with the current and potential supply base through the implementation of a SRM approach
Risk and Safety Management – proactively managing and monitoring potential risk exposure and safety concerns
Budget and Cash Flow Management – continuously monitoring, projecting, and delivering on costs according to a set plan, while also participating in the budget processes as part of the EF budget cycles
Technology– contributing to the development of technology solutions and the continuous improvement of current tools and processes
Market Knowledge, Trends and Innovation – being on the forefront of the supply market by consistently networking and researching within the industry, as well as gaining market insight into evolving trends in spend categories and geographies with a focus on bringing innovation to EF

Travelling is required for up to 40% of the time depending on the season, to be on the road learning the market, cultivating relationships with suppliers, and securing business agreements.

Objectives for this role:

Articulate and execute on a multi-year procurement strategy by applying supplier segmentation for the area of responsibility internally, and externally define EF’s value proposition to suppliers
Manage supplier relationships and lead negotiations of pricing and commercial terms for assigned categories, geographies, and suppliers, all while meeting cost, quality, safety, and process efficiency requirements
Analyse, procure, and process adequate inventory levels to meet forecasted demand, all while monitoring, projecting, and delivering on costs according to a set plan

Skills & Experience:

A strong leader who cares about their team and bringing out the best in their people
Can influence others positively and get buy in
A creative problem solver with the ability to prioritize, determine solutions and to delegate
Strong communication and negotiation skills as well as cultural awareness
Strategic mindset whilst actively engaged to run day-to-day priorities
Strong and proven analytical skills
Agile and open-minded team player, with a solution oriented, innovative, and driven mentality
Entrepreneurial spirit and sense of ownership
Relationship builder and networker
Comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
2-3 years’ manager experience in procurement, business management, or a similar field is preferred
Interest and network in these fields is a bonus
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in business, economics, or tourism
Business fluent in English and Spanish

Why you will love working with us

People at EF make things happen. We encourage you to take full ownership of your work, regardless of your level or experience. EF team members often say we operate like the world’s largest startup because this boundless entrepreneurial spirit is built into our organization’s DNA.

At EF, work is just one part of life. We offer a variety of perks and benefits to help you thrive inside and outside the office, including:

Participation in our Staff Travel Experience Program once a year including travel on one of our tours
Yearly kick off conference around the world
Free membership for our in-house gym or get involved with our variety of sports teams
Seasonal and monthly office events including holiday parties and office mingles
Discounts on a wide range of local restaurants, shops, and EF products
Discounts on EF & Hult products for staff and family members

Some companies are in the business of banking. Others are in the business of shoes. Or sports. Or soft drinks. At EF, we're in a different kind of business. One that's a little less tangible, and a lot more important. Because our business, what we make, makes everything else possible. We're in the business of understanding. Between people. Between cultures.

For over half a century we’ve been the leader in international educational programs and experiences designed to foster such understanding. Through language, cultural exchange, academic studies, and educational travel, we create the kinds of immersive experiences that challenge biases, open minds, and pave the way for a more understanding world.

You’ll find our offices and schools located in some of the world’s greatest cities, and filled with smart, driven people (over 50,000 of us) who push each other to be better every day. But it’s what we do together - building greater understanding, breaking down barriers, and creating a better world - that makes all the difference.

Founded in 1965 in Sweden, EF (Education First) is a global association of education companies that share a common mission of opening the world through education. EF has been recognized on Forbes 2025 and 2024 World’s Best Employers and 2024 Top Companies for Women lists, Fast Company’s 2025 Next Big Things In Tech, and was a 2024 App Store Award winner in Cultural Impact.

EF Educational Tours teams up with educators to take students beyond the classroom on immersive international travel programs. We deliver educational experiences powered by a proven learning method that’s designed to build essential skills, like curiosity and communication. Our tours are where learning meets life—they give students firsthand experience of the world, and unlock the type of personal growth that prepares them for their futures.

Learn more about EF Educational Tours: https://www.eftours.com/

EF Education First / Hult

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Procurement Manager LATAM