Strategic Sourcing Manager

Job Summary:

 The Strategic Sourcing Manager (SSM) supports institutional procurement goals by applying sourcing expertise, data-driven analysis, and strong supplier engagement to deliver value across assigned commodity areas. The SSM identified opportunities for improved supplier performance, cost savings, and operational efficiency while ensuring campus end users receive high-quality, value-added goods and services. This role contributes to cross-functional procurement projects, supports campus stakeholders, and maintains high standards for compliance in purchasing practices.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain, Accounting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant procurement or strategic sourcing experience
• Higher education or public sector experience preferred

Relevant combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of sourcing principles and contract negotiation
• Effective interpersonal, planning, and communication skills
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations
• Familiarity with Jaggaer or other e-Procurement platforms preferred
• Commitment to continuous learning, supplier diversity, and sustainability

Representative Job Duties:

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with campus needs and institutional goals.
• Promote and support initiatives that drive cost savings, supplier performance, and end-user satisfaction.
• Analyze spend data and commodity trends using e-Procurement tools and market research.
• Plan and execute competitive sourcing events (RFPs, RFIs, etc.) to ensure access to high-value goods and services.
• Maintain accurate and timely status updates for active sourcing projects and contract renewals. Contribute to supplier evaluations and support supplier performance improvement initiatives.
• Participate in contract negotiation and lifecycle management under the guidance of senior team members.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and departments to assess specifications, manage risk, and ensure effective sourcing decisions in line with Institute standards.
• Deliver stakeholder education and outreach on sourcing procedures, tools, and compliance topics.
• Monitor campus purchasing activities for compliance with Institute policies and supplier contracts. Address Institute concerns with non-compliance with appropriate levels of management.
• Partner with FAST staff to maintain relevant supplier catalogs and e-Procurement functionality.
• Support sustainable and inclusive procurement practices through diverse and environmentally preferred supplier engagement when possible.

Shift:

Business Hours: Monday - Friday

Travel:

Local travel between campus locations only

Driving:

Incidental driving possible, but not required

Starting Salary/Rate:

Expected hiring range: $70,000 - $75,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring