Senior Program Manager - Purchasing Card (P-Card) Program

Salary range is $78K to $180K with a midpoint of $129K. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The Senior Program Manager, P-Card Program, is responsible for overseeing the agency's purchasing card (P-Card) program, ensuring compliance with policy, optimizing program performance, and driving enhancements that improve the internal customer experience. This position leads P-Card policy development, training, monitoring, and reporting efforts while serving as the primary liaison with cardholders, department stakeholders, and the financial institution. The role requires strategic vision, strong analytical skills, and a collaborative approach to program and risk management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and training materials for the P-Card program in alignment with agency purchasing regulations and best practices.
• Oversees the day-to-day administration of the P-Card program, including user training, P-card set up, and purchase reconciliation.
• Conducts regular program monitoring and transaction audits to ensure compliance, identify trends, and mitigate risk.
• Serves as the agency's subject matter expert on allowable P-Card use and provides timely customer service to internal stakeholders.
• Partners with Procurement, Finance, and Audit teams to support reporting, reconciliation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinates with the issuing bank and payment provider to manage technical issues, resolve disputes, and explore program enhancements.
• Leads agency-wide communications and outreach related to purchasing card policies, system updates, and training requirements.
• Analyzes purchasing trends and generates performance dashboards to support decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Manages any escalations involving inappropriate purchases, including documentation, correction, and coaching.
• Provides strategic recommendations to improve program effectiveness, internal controls, and customer experience.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Procurement, or related field. Five years of increasingly responsible experience in purchasing card (P-Card) administration, procurement, accounts payable, financial compliance, program or project management experience; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

• Certified Purchasing Card Professional (CPCP) or other procurement/finance-related certifications (CPPB, CPPO, CPA) is desirable but not required.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of purchasing card (P-Card) program operations, regulations, and industry standards.
• Knowledge of procurement and finance policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Knowledge of auditing techniques, data analytics, and risk assessment in a financial or procurement context.
• Skill in interpreting and applying federal, state, and local procurement laws and regulations.
• Skill in managing complex programs with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Skill in using financial systems and reporting tools to analyze data and generate actionable insights.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Power BI for data analysis, dashboard creation, and performance reporting.
• Skill in delivering training, technical guidance, and policy interpretation to a variety of internal customers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including policy writing and customer correspondence.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, including the ability to influence without authority.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience managing a P-Card program in a public sector or highly regulated environment.
• Familiarity with enterprise financial systems such as Oracle, PeopleSoft, or Workday.
• Knowledge of internal audit practices and fraud prevention strategies related to P-Card use.
• Understanding of supplier diversity initiatives and sustainable procurement practices.
• Ability to lead policy development, change management, and program improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with the CPCP Body of Knowledge or other professional standards in P-Card administration.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard hybrid office environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.