Inside Higher Ed
Assistant Director, Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager
Inside Higher Ed, Providence, Rhode Island, us, 02912
Assistant Director, Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Sourcing, the Assistant Director, Strategic Sourcing and Category Manager plays a critical role in optimizing the university’s procurement processes and maximizing value across its supply chain. The position leads strategic sourcing initiatives, develops and implements category management strategies, and negotiates complex contracts to achieve best-in-class results. Success requires collaboration with university stakeholders, faculty, and staff to align procurement activities with institutional goals and support academic and research missions.
Major Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing (50%)
Lead and manage all aspects of the strategic sourcing process, from needs assessment and market analysis to supplier selection and contract award.
Manage evaluation of supplier proposals and presentations, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
Develop and execute sourcing strategies for high‑spend and critical categories, including RFPs, RFIs, and other competitive solicitations.
Conduct comprehensive market research to identify potential suppliers, emerging technologies, and industry trends.
Analyze spending data and stakeholder requirements to identify opportunities for cost savings, process efficiencies, and value creation.
Collaborate with university departments to define requirements and develop clear, concise sourcing documents.
Develop key performance indicators for chosen suppliers and negotiate strategic contracts with measurable SLA metrics.
Promote socially responsible and inclusive procurement practices in the university’s bid process.
Support supplier and contract transition processes, maintaining continuity of service during transition.
Category Management (20%)
Develop, implement, and manage multi‑year category strategies for assigned spend categories that meet the university’s business needs.
Act as the primary subject matter expert for assigned categories, providing guidance and insights to stakeholders on market trends, supplier capabilities, and best practices.
Conduct spend analysis and demand forecasting to inform category strategies and identify opportunities for consolidation or optimization.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with key university stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure category strategies are aligned with their objectives.
Monitor and report on the performance of category strategies, including savings achieved, risk mitigation, and supplier performance.
Become familiar with and promote the use of the university’s group purchasing cooperatives and strategic alliances.
Contract Support (20%)
Lead and execute negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions.
Edit, review, and finalize a wide range of procurement contracts, including master service agreements, statements of work, and non‑disclosure agreements.
Review, edit, and finalize terms and conditions provided by suppliers to ensure compliance with university requirements and legal obligations.
Collaborate with legal counsel, risk management, and other internal departments to ensure contract terms are legally sound.
Manage new contract requests, contract renewals and amendments; ensure all changes are properly documented and approved.
Resolve contract disputes and issues in a timely and effective manner.
Provide guidance on supplier transition processes, maintaining continuity of service during transitions.
Support professional development and provide feedback and consultation for the strategic sourcing team.
Programs and Project Support (10%)
Lead the execution of the university’s supplier performance management program within assigned categories.
Manage supplier relationships within assigned categories to ensure high levels of service, quality, and compliance with contractual obligations.
Actively support the university’s community engagement initiatives by participating in key initiatives that promote opportunities for small, local, and diverse suppliers.
Develop and deliver training and presentations to university staff on procurement policies, procedures, and best practices.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes and systems.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience and education in supply chain management, business administration, finance, logistics, or related field.
7 years of direct experience developing category strategies, managing competitive bid processes, negotiating contracts, and building consensus with stakeholders. Proven cost‑saving achievements required.
Qualifications
Proven track record of successfully leading sourcing projects and achieving significant cost savings.
Strong negotiation skills and contract management experience with ability to assess risk and pursue appropriate commercial terms.
Strong analytical skills and experience developing and reporting on metrics and quantifiable savings.
Critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to influence without authority.
Experience with Data Analysis
Experience sourcing and category management across diverse categories of spending.
Professional certifications in strategic sourcing, supply chain, procurement strongly preferred.
Please include a cover letter when submitting your application. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Major Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing (50%)
Lead and manage all aspects of the strategic sourcing process, from needs assessment and market analysis to supplier selection and contract award.
Manage evaluation of supplier proposals and presentations, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
Develop and execute sourcing strategies for high‑spend and critical categories, including RFPs, RFIs, and other competitive solicitations.
Conduct comprehensive market research to identify potential suppliers, emerging technologies, and industry trends.
Analyze spending data and stakeholder requirements to identify opportunities for cost savings, process efficiencies, and value creation.
Collaborate with university departments to define requirements and develop clear, concise sourcing documents.
Develop key performance indicators for chosen suppliers and negotiate strategic contracts with measurable SLA metrics.
Promote socially responsible and inclusive procurement practices in the university’s bid process.
Support supplier and contract transition processes, maintaining continuity of service during transition.
Category Management (20%)
Develop, implement, and manage multi‑year category strategies for assigned spend categories that meet the university’s business needs.
Act as the primary subject matter expert for assigned categories, providing guidance and insights to stakeholders on market trends, supplier capabilities, and best practices.
Conduct spend analysis and demand forecasting to inform category strategies and identify opportunities for consolidation or optimization.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with key university stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure category strategies are aligned with their objectives.
Monitor and report on the performance of category strategies, including savings achieved, risk mitigation, and supplier performance.
Become familiar with and promote the use of the university’s group purchasing cooperatives and strategic alliances.
Contract Support (20%)
Lead and execute negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions.
Edit, review, and finalize a wide range of procurement contracts, including master service agreements, statements of work, and non‑disclosure agreements.
Review, edit, and finalize terms and conditions provided by suppliers to ensure compliance with university requirements and legal obligations.
Collaborate with legal counsel, risk management, and other internal departments to ensure contract terms are legally sound.
Manage new contract requests, contract renewals and amendments; ensure all changes are properly documented and approved.
Resolve contract disputes and issues in a timely and effective manner.
Provide guidance on supplier transition processes, maintaining continuity of service during transitions.
Support professional development and provide feedback and consultation for the strategic sourcing team.
Programs and Project Support (10%)
Lead the execution of the university’s supplier performance management program within assigned categories.
Manage supplier relationships within assigned categories to ensure high levels of service, quality, and compliance with contractual obligations.
Actively support the university’s community engagement initiatives by participating in key initiatives that promote opportunities for small, local, and diverse suppliers.
Develop and deliver training and presentations to university staff on procurement policies, procedures, and best practices.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes and systems.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience and education in supply chain management, business administration, finance, logistics, or related field.
7 years of direct experience developing category strategies, managing competitive bid processes, negotiating contracts, and building consensus with stakeholders. Proven cost‑saving achievements required.
Qualifications
Proven track record of successfully leading sourcing projects and achieving significant cost savings.
Strong negotiation skills and contract management experience with ability to assess risk and pursue appropriate commercial terms.
Strong analytical skills and experience developing and reporting on metrics and quantifiable savings.
Critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to influence without authority.
Experience with Data Analysis
Experience sourcing and category management across diverse categories of spending.
Professional certifications in strategic sourcing, supply chain, procurement strongly preferred.
Please include a cover letter when submitting your application. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr