Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager

Job Description:

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Sourcing, the Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager (SSSM) requires 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:

• 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.

• 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 University’s e-procurement marketplace to ensure accuracy of pricing and information and work with suppliers as necessary to resolve any identified issues, implement changes, and to initiate and amend contract terms as needed.
• Responsible for management and oversight of the e-sourcing and supplier performance management technology
• Responsible for reporting on key spend areas and metrics
• Consult on Updates to policies related to purchasing
• Consult on Updates to policies related to purchasing
• Work closely with the director and other stakeholders on process improvement initiatives, including the creation or refinement of strategic sourcing templates and usage of technology / tools and standard operating procedures related to the RFP process. 
• Work on other process improvement initiatives and special projects as assigned
• Lead planning and execution of SPC Annual Supplier Summit
• Lead outreach, communication, and follow up efforts with local and disadvantaged suppliers
• Influence the supplier selection process by promoting the engagement and inclusion of small, local, diverse suppliers across campus
• Work with other departments and external organizations as applicable to supplier engagement and development initiatives
• Provide system and process training to Strategic Sourcing Team - advising on the RFP process utilizing automated bidding tool and templates, leading the process with internal and external stakeholders, and standard operating procedures (ensuring alignment with University goals, policies and consistency of process).
• Provide guidance on the development and management of bid processes from initiation to award, including contract development/negotiation/execution, and coordination with department representatives and/or review committee members through review & selection process. Assist with analysis of proposals/bids and provide consultative guidance on ethics, process, and supplier selection.
• Provide advice and guidance on the supplier transition process, maintaining continuity of service during the transition from one supplier to another, as well as on requirements for termination of existing contracts.

Job Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience and education in an applicable field
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience (strategic sourcing / procurement / category management / supply chain related)
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Strong analytical skills and experience developing and reporting on metrics and quantifiable savings
• Experience and proven ability to negotiate, administer and bring to fruition complex procurement activities and bidding processes
• Experience in supplier relationship management, including oversight of supplier performance and contract compliance
• Experience in contract creation, review and negotiation – preferably using a contract lifecycle management system
• Ability to assess organization’s needs, communicate those needs to the supplier community, and evaluate contracts to determine technical compliance
• Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex issues effectively and independently

• Ability to build relationships and develop internal and external partnerships

• • PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• • Knowledge of automated procurement systems
  • Knowledge of federal regulations (e.g. Uniform Guidance)
  • Professional procurement certification such as CPP or CPPM
  • Experience with procurement in a university setting
  • Knowledge of IT procurement

Criminal and education Background check required.

Please include a cover letter when submitting your application materials.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

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Submission Guidelines:

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.

Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.  

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

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, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.