Executive Director, Procurement Services

The Executive Director of Procurement Services provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and executive-level direction for the University’s procurement, sourcing, contracting, and supplier management functions. Serving as a key advisor to the COO/CFO, this position ensures the University’s procurement and contract administration practices align with institutional priorities, financial stewardship objectives, regulatory compliance requirements, and operational excellence standards within a complex higher education environment.

The Executive Director leads the development and implementation of strategic procurement initiatives, enterprise-wide sourcing strategies, contract governance, a broad range of supplier initiatives, and procurement technologies that support the University’s academic, research, and administrative mission. The role collaborates extensively with executive leadership, legal counsel, academic and administrative units, governmental entities, and external business partners to mitigate institutional risk, optimize financial resources, and strengthen operational effectiveness.

Initial Screening begins Monday June 15, 2026. 

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Provides executive leadership for all procurement, sourcing, contracting, supplier management, and surplus property operations across the University. 
• Develops and implements long-range strategic procurement initiatives that align with institutional goals, operational priorities, and financial objectives. 
• Advises the COO/CFO and campus partners on procurement strategy, contract risk, regulatory matters, market trends, operational efficiencies, and best practices in higher education procurement. 
• Leads change management efforts related to procurement modernization, process redesign, and technology enhancements. 

Contract Administration & Institutional Compliance

• Exercises delegated signature authority on behalf of the University for expenditure and revenue contracts in accordance with University policies and applicable laws. 
• Directs the development, negotiation, review, and administration of complex contractual agreements to ensure legal sufficiency, operational effectiveness, and risk mitigation. 
• Collaborates with University legal counsel, executive leadership, and external stakeholders on contractual, regulatory, and compliance matters. 
• Ensures procurement and contracting activities comply with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and audit standards. 

Procurement Systems & Technology Management

• Provides executive oversight of the University’s eProcurement and financial systems, including system integration, optimization, upgrades, and operational governance. 
• Leads enterprise procurement technology initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reporting capabilities, internal controls, and user experience. 
• Partners with Finance, Information Technology, and other campus stakeholders to ensure system integrity, data accuracy, security, and process effectiveness. 

Supplier Strategic Sourcing

• Leads the University’s supplier strategy and ensures a broad supplier pool is actively included in procurement opportunities across all sourcing categories. 
• Develops strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier engagement programs that promote competition, cost effectiveness, innovation, and community impact.  
• Monitors and evaluates supplier performance, contract utilization, and procurement trends to support informed decision-making and institutional objectives. 

Financial Management & Reporting

• Develops and administers the departmental operating budget and forecasts future resource requirements to support institutional growth and operational demands. 
• Oversees preparation and presentation of executive-level procurement, contract, compliance, and operational reports for University leadership, governing bodies, and external agencies. 
• Analyzes procurement data, expenditures, and operational trends to identify opportunities for strategic savings and process improvements. 

Leadership & Talent Development

• Provides leadership, supervision, and professional development for procurement and contract services personnel. 
• Fosters a culture of accountability, customer service, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence. 
• Establishes departmental goals, evaluates staff performance, and supports succession planning and workforce development initiatives. 

Training, Policy Development & Stakeholder Engagement

• Leads the development and implementation of procurement policies, procedures, and training programs for University personnel and external partners. 
• Serves as a primary institutional resource regarding procurement regulations, contracting standards, purchasing card administration, and procurement best practices. 
• Represents the University on institutional committees, professional organizations, and external partnerships related to procurement and operational services.  

Other Duties

• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned by the COO/CFO.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, or a related field. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, contract administration, or business operations, Master’s degree and/or related certification preferred 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Extensive knowledge of strategic procurement, sourcing, contract administration, supplier management, and purchasing operations within a complex organizational environment. 
• Knowledge of federal, state, and higher education procurement laws, regulations, policies, and compliance requirements. 
• Knowledge of contract negotiation principles, legal terminology, and contract lifecycle management practices. 
• Strong executive leadership and organizational management skills with the ability to lead complex operational functions. 
• Exceptional strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 
• Strong financial analysis and budget management skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all organizational levels. 
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information to executive leadership, governing boards, and external entities. 
• Strong project management and process improvement skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously. 
• Strong technology and systems management skills related to procurement and financial operations. 
• Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, policies, and contractual requirements. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and independent decision-making in high-level operational and contractual matters. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with executive leadership, faculty, staff, legal counsel, governmental agencies, suppliers, and external stakeholders. 

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. 

About UsThe University of Memphis is a leading, student-centered, urban public R1 research institution. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, on 1,160 acres. The University serves a population of nearly 20,000 students and 2,500 employees, including more than 1,000 full-time faculty members. The University offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 230 areas of study, master’s degrees in more than 50 subjects and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines; supported an institutional record of more than $100 million in research awards for FY24; and has an operating budget of close to $500 million.