Director, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts

Job Description:

The Director leads all category management activities related to assigned categories while efficiently delivering business results that incorporate best practices, meet regulatory requirements and, ensuring the University receives the best overall value. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President/Chief Procurement Officer, this position acts as the primary lead for category strategy development, strategic sourcing, supplier management and negotiation of third-party agreements related to the procurement of goods and services by the Director’s assigned customers and/or categories.  The Director develops and implements procurement policies, along with processes and systems that incorporate best practices, meet regulatory requirements, and ensure the University achieves optimal value, efficiency, and effectiveness in meeting its sourcing needs. The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, supervision, and direction of a team of procurement professionals who ensure the University's needs are met in a timely fashion and interests and rights are protected while driving sustainable and ethical business practices.

Major Responsibilities:

Category Strategy Development and Executive Leadership

• In partnership with key stakeholders on campus and within SPC, identify and develop appropriate category strategies for the procurement of goods and services 
• Collect and analyze data related to the University’s spend portfolio from benchmark institutions, industry standards and best practices
• Identify opportunities to streamline the acquisition of frequently used goods and services and related business processes 
• Leveraging available data, establish metrics and quantitative objectives for ongoing performance and continuous improvement consistent with goals for cost savings, quality service and customer satisfaction
• Foster productive working relationships with key stakeholders from assigned customers and/or category groups
• Work with department staff and campus stakeholders to understand categories in need of a comprehensive category strategy or different approach to procuring goods and/or services
• Develop, implement and manage innovative category strategies that meet the needs of campus, are cost-effective and align with other campus priorities
• Once defined, leverage prior experience and network of relationships to influence direction and adoption of category strategies to ensure results are achieved and sustained

Strategic Sourcing Execution

• Develop, lead, and execute strategic sourcing strategies for the procurement of goods and services that align with category strategies that may exist
• Identify common users for all goods and services being sourced to effectively communicate procurement strategy, ensure the highest standards are met and sourcing results are communicated to the campus community
• Partner with internal stakeholders to serve as a member of strategic planning teams and influence change
• In conjunction with departments and/or subject matter experts, develop and manage requests for proposals processes, working closely with all parties to provide detailed specifications, timelines, evaluations and selection processes
• Ensure supplier selection process meets user needs, is cost-effective, and aligns with campus priorities
• Provide training and direction to department staff and campus regarding the strategic sourcing process

Contract Negotiation, Risk Management & Compliance

• Oversee the negotiation of contract terms with outside parties (suppliers, vendors, consultants) relating to the purchase of goods and services
• Ensure contractual risk is appropriately mitigated and the office maintains visibility into all obligations agreed upon
• Partner with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), SPC colleagues and other contract review organizations on campus (Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP), Office of Research (OVPR)) to establish and refine standard contract terms and templates
• Review and negotiate complex legal terms for supplier agreements in partnership with Category Managers and University stakeholders (OGC, OVPR, OIT, etc.)
• Identify potential problems and provide alternative solutions in the structuring of agreements to avoid unnecessary costs or disputes
• Serve as the primary liaison to OGC and OVPR in the evaluation and acceptance of non-standard/negotiated terms

Staff Supervision & Operational Management

• Provide overall supervision, direction, and professional development for assigned staff members
• Assign contracts and sourcing projects to the team and delegate workflow effectively
• Provide training, direction, and support of strategy development sourcing and contract processing activities for staff
• Identify business process issues and practices requiring modification to existing policies or procedures and provide recommendations to senior leadership
• Provide training and direction to operational purchasing staff in order to facilitate the necessary connections between the processing and sourcing and contract management functions within the department

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, supply chain, business, public administration, or a related field is required
• 7-10 years of experience in a Procurement leadership role with demonstrated expertise in both negotiating contractual agreements and performing complex solicitations
• Advanced knowledge of industry standards, best practices, and current trends in procurement and supply chain
• Experience in higher education procurement preferred

Job Competencies:

• Critical Thinking Skills: Must possess and demonstrate critical thinking skills and be able to work independently with little direction at times. Strong problem-solving and process improvement skills are imperative 
• Analytical Skills: Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative analytical skills with the ability to analyze complex information to support sourcing strategy
• Legal & Sourcing Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of effective procurement strategy combined with a working knowledge of contract law and commercial legal terms. Proven experience drafting and negotiating complex legal agreements
• Influence: Ability to build and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with internal and external parties. Advanced knowledge of industry standards, best practices and current trends and the ability to initiate and foster support for appropriate innovations
• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbal and written. Exceptional presentation, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
• Leadership: Ability to supervise staff, delegate projects, and work independently with little direction. Results-oriented approach, strong initiative to succeed, decision-making skills and problem-solving skills
• Systems: Familiarity with technology platforms and data security terms and conditions

Please include a cover letter when submitting your application.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

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Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

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.