Supplier Relations Specialist

Supplier Relations Specialist

The Supplier Relations Specialist plays a critical role within the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) division. This position is responsible for supporting external partner relationships and ensuring contractual obligations, service expectations, and operational needs are met. This role coordinates communication with service providers, tracks performance outcomes, assists with contract administration, and collaborates with internal SEM departments to maintain efficient service delivery. The role focuses on strengthening supplier partnerships, monitoring service quality, ensuring compliance and ensuring services align with SEM's operational and strategic goals.

The ideal candidate will have experience in supplier sourcing, contract negotiation, and performance analysis, combined with strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills. This position works closely with the Associate Director and SEM stakeholders to support sourcing initiatives, monitor expenditures, maintain compliance, and enhance the effectiveness of SEM's external service partnerships.

Responsibilities

Supplier Selection and Sourcing: Lead the end-to-end supplier selection process, including market research, identification of potential suppliers, development and issuance of RFPs/RFQs/RFIs, evaluation of proposals, and recommendation of solutions that best meet SEM's operational needs and budgetary guidelines.

Negotiation and Contract Management: Support the negotiation of contracts, service agreements, and pricing structures, while maintaining a centralized repository of all contracts, tracking renewal timelines, amendments, and ensuring compliance with terms and organizational requirements.

Supplier Relationship Management & Risk Mitigation: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key service providers identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, facilitate issue resolution, and proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with external partnerships.

Strategic Sourcing, Optimization and Budget Support: Collaborate on the development and execution of sourcing strategies to improve efficiency and maximize value. Monitor industry trends and innovations, analyze pricing and supplier capabilities, and assist with budget planning and expenditure tracking for external services.

Performance Monitoring and Stakeholder Collaboration: Establish KPIs and service metrics, conduct regular performance reviews and audits, prepare performance reports, and serve as a liaison between SEM departments and suppliers to gather feedback, communicate expectations, and ensure services effectively support enrollment and operational goals.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Communications, or related field. Minimum of 2 years of experience in procurement, vendor management, contract coordination or related area. Experience in supplier sourcing, contract negotiation support, or performance analysis preferred.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree. Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S. SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements. A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed: (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree; (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree; (c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree; (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree. Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment. Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.