Chief Procurement Officer - Financial Operations, Emory University

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Description

Reporting to the Associate VP for Business Operations, the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) manages the end-to-end procurement process, including sourcing & contracting, purchasing, accounts payable, systems, and a center of excellence service dept. The CPO is expected to build and promote a best-in-class procurement organization at Emory University.

 

Will be responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and execution of the university's procurement and supply chain operations. This role ensures that procurement practices align with the university's mission, strategic goals, and regulatory requirements.

 

The CPO will drive cost-saving initiatives, foster supplier relationships, and lead a team of 32 procurement professionals with addressable spend of approximately $625M in supporting the diverse needs of the university's academic, research, and administrative functions.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Strategic Leadership:

• Develops and implements the university's procurement strategy, aligning with the institution's overall strategic objectives.
• Establishes and communicates a clear vision for the procurement function, focusing on cost efficiency, risk management, and innovation.
• Leads the development and execution of policies, procedures, and best practices to streamline procurement processes.
• Acts as a trusted adviser to all of senior leadership and internal customers in all matters related to procurement across the university system.
• Works in collaboration with healthcare to leverage indirect spend as a system.
• Builds a customer-centric organization that is highly responsive in creating value.
• Manages effective communications that provide clarity for the procurement function.

Procurement Management:

• Oversees the end-to-end procurement process, including sourcing, contracting, purchasing, supplier management, and logistics.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and university regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Manages and negotiates high-value contracts and agreements with key suppliers to secure the best terms for the university.
• Uses tools and technology to offer best in class services that are highly efficient in the procure to pay space.
• Develops and refines a category-led strategic sourcing function and manages the infrastructure which includes strategic sourcing, a streamlined contracting process, spend analytics, e-Procurement, procure-to-pay (P2P), supplier relationship management (SRM), vendor management and a procurement risk management policy.
• Creates a more robust e-Procurement function with extensive catalogues that is user-friendly.
• Evaluates system-wide modules and bolt-ons that will deliver enhanced data, the ability to track purchase orders and high visibility for all users.
• Leads a high-performing accounts payable organization.
• Leads an award-winning supplier diversity program that continues to be a model in higher ed.
• Supports and promotes sustainable purchasing practices.

Financial Stewardship and Oversight of Procurement Budget:

• Manages the procurement department's operating budget, ensuring that expenses are in line with the university's financial goals.

Cost Control:

• Identifies and implements cost-saving opportunities and initiatives to maximize the value of university resources.
• Implements strategies to control and reduce procurement-related costs while ensuring needs are met.

Resource Allocation:

• Allocates financial resources effectively to various procurement initiatives, ensuring optimal use of the university's funds.

Reporting:

• Prepares and presents regular reports on procurement performance, cost savings, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership.

Strategic Sourcing:

• Develops and executes sourcing strategies that leverage the university's purchasing power to obtain the best value for goods and services. -

Negotiation of Contracts:

• Leads high-value contract negotiations with suppliers to achieve favorable terms, including discounts, extended payment terms, and cost avoidance. 

Vendor Management:

• Establishes strong relationships with vendors to ensure competitive pricing, volume discounts, and cost-effective service delivery.

Spend Analysis:

• Conducts regular analyses of procurement spending