Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager

Job Description:

The Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager (SSSM) should be an experienced strategic sourcing professional with a proven track record of success in identifying and achieving savings targets through the development and execution of category strategies including spend analysis, RFX processes, contract negotiation / creation / lifecycle management, savings tracking, and supplier relationship / performance management. This position fulfills the lead role on the Strategic Sourcing Team in the Office of Strategic Procurement & Contracts (SPC) to manage and provide guidance and training to other team members and end users on systems and processes related to the RFP process and utilization of e-sourcing and supplier performance management technology. While the individual in this role will have a primary focus on the IT category and work closely with stakeholders in the University’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) to support both small and enterprise wide initiatives, they will also be responsible for category management to support other areas including, but not limited to, Athletics and Dining Services, as well as SPC special initiatives.

The SSSM is also responsible for spend reporting and metrics related to key initiatives. Reviewing and approving procurement requisitions and vetting new supplier requests for relevant categories is also part of this role to ensure compliance with University policies and to redirect and provide guidance to departments as necessary. 

Major Responsibilities:

Strategic Category Management

• Analyze spend data and purchasing patterns to identify and promote strategic sourcing opportunities to leverage buying power and shift buying behaviors to strategic partners.
• Develop and manage action plans and execute sourcing strategies to achieve cost savings/ avoidance and other applicable objectives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support category management, recommend and execute strategic sourcing events, develop criteria for evaluation & selection of proposals.
• Negotiate/renegotiate contracts; manage and monitor supplier relationships and contract performance, and conduct regular business reviews.
• Track quantifiable savings; develop, monitor, and report on key metrics (spend on contracts, savings and other benefits captured, etc.).
• Develop key performance indicators for suppliers and negotiate to award competitive strategic contracts that result in cost reductions and improved service levels.
• Engage with and promote the use of the University’s group purchasing cooperatives and strategic alliances in order to take advantage of special pricing and competitively awarded contracts made available through these memberships.

• Review and vetting of new supplier requests. Continually develop and maintain category management expertise. Manage project requests to prioritize and identify timelines.
• Collaborate with end users/stakeholders to develop RFP/bid packages (ensuring alignment with University goals, bid thresholds, & policies) utilizing automated bidding tool when appropriate, and facilitate the process with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop an understanding of business needs and unique service level requirements and availability of resources and conduct market research to inform sourcing strategies.
• Promote the inclusion of socially responsible procurement practices (diversity & local suppliers, sustainability efforts, etc.) in the University’s bid process.
• Project Management of the bid process from initiation to award to contract development/negotiation/execution and post-award performance management, and coordinate with department representatives and/or review committee members through review & selection process.
•  Analyze proposals/bids and provide consultative guidance on ethics, process, and supplier selection.
• Support supplier and contract transition process, maintaining continuity of service during transition from one supplier to another. Work with internal departments to plan, coordinate, execute, and track supplier transitions, ensuring adherence to, and compliance with stated contract terms and requirements.

Procurement Management Responsibilities

• Review and approve purchase requisitions to ensure that documentation requirements are met and to determine appropriateness of purchase according to the University’s policies that support procurement transactions (e.g. supplier selection, inclusion of local and small business suppliers, sustainability, etc.,) and Uniform Guidance requirements for purchases charged to federal funds.
• Manage and conduct quarterly analysis on utilization of supplier punchouts in the Univer