Category Buyer

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Department of Procurement and Contracts provides CPS schools with the best options for purchasing the highest quality goods and services at the best price.  The team works with schools, departments, vendors, and business stakeholders to provide goods and services of the highest quality and value for the district. We are dedicated to meeting our goal through competitive pricing while adhering to relevant laws, Board of Education rules, policies, and procedures

Job Summary: 
Reporting to the Category Manager, a Category Buyer is responsible for collaborating with schools and departments on competitive solicitations for desired goods and services, and managing purchasing projects that are presented to the Board of Education for approval.

The Category Manager will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Executes category strategy developed by Category Manager in alignment with Procurement Office and district priorities
• Works with clients to develop the sourcing plan; manages the process and provides advice to senior management on procurement type, appropriate contract length, and bundling opportunities
• Coordinates the sourcing process, implementing a tactical approach to sourcing in order to obtain the best value for money and leads negotiations for renewals and less complex RFPs / RFQs
• Analyzes final responses from potential vendors and provides recommendations based on cost/cash/quality and strategic fit criteria
• Coordinates vendor sourcing and contractual agreement process ensuring that all agreements are aligned with district policy and practices, including all required approvals
• Assesses and manages supplier performance for continuous improvement by leading supplier meetings, developing reports, and reviewing vendor performance to identify areas of opportunity, determine action items, and provide feedback.
• Develops collaboration with the vendor to drive cost saving through operational improvements in the supply chain.
• Evaluates supplier selection by verifying capabilities, cost, quality, and overall strategic fit for CPS.
• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Category Manager must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required: 
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, required
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain or related field, preferred

Experience Required: 
Minimum of two (2) years of related professional experience required, preferably in procurement in a large, complex organization, including the following:
Previous experience with the solicitation (RFX) process   
Previous experience with negotiations
Oracle experienced preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Advanced Microsoft Office (proficiency in Excel required)
Strong analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills
Action oriented, well organized
Strong verbal and written communication skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with multiple departments, managers of the organization, and external entities (vendors)
Negotiation and influencing skills

Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.