Executive Director of Procurement & Procurement Integrity Officer

Executive Director of Procurement & Procurement Integrity Officer The Executive Director of Procurement & Procurement Integrity Officer serves as the University’s chief procurement leader and strategic advisor, overseeing all procurement, sourcing, contracting, supplier management, procurement technology, and procurement compliance functions. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Executive Director provides visionary leadership that advances institutional excellence through transparent, compliant, innovative, and technology‑enabled procurement operations. Job Summary The Executive Director is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive procurement strategy that aligns with the University’s mission, strategic plan, operational priorities, and stewardship responsibilities while maintaining strict adherence to applicable federal and Texas state laws and regulations. The position leads enterprise‑wide initiatives focused on procurement modernization, digital transformation, strategic sourcing, supplier diversity, operational efficiency, risk mitigation, contract optimization, and regulatory compliance. Distinguishing Characteristics Strategic and visionary leadership Exceptional integrity and ethical judgment Strong knowledge of public procurement laws and regulations Technology‑forward and innovation‑focused mindset Operational excellence and process improvement expertise Strong financial and business acumen Collaborative leadership style Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills Commitment to customer service and continuous improvement Strategic Procurement Leadership Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with institutional priorities, operational goals, compliance requirements, and financial objectives. Serve as the University’s chief procurement officer and subject matter expert on procurement governance, policy, and strategy. Lead enterprise‑wide strategic sourcing initiatives that improve value, reduce costs, mitigate risk, and enhance supplier performance. Establish long‑term procurement roadmaps that support institutional growth, modernization, and operational excellence. Provide executive leadership and guidance regarding procurement trends, emerging risks, market conditions, and regulatory developments. Develop procurement performance metrics, dashboards, and key performance indicators to measure organizational effectiveness and outcomes. Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, customer service, innovation, and continuous improvement. Procurement Integrity and Compliance Serve as the University’s designated Procurement Integrity Officer. Ensure compliance with federal regulations, the Texas Government Code, the Texas Education Code, the Texas Administrative Code, the Uniform Guidance, federal grant requirements, and institutional policies. Develop, maintain, and enforce procurement policies, procedures, internal controls, and governance frameworks. Lead procurement ethics initiatives and promote the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and public accountability. Investigate procurement irregularities, conflicts of interest, ethics concerns, and compliance issues. Coordinate procurement‑related audits, reviews, investigations, and corrective action plans. Monitor procurement activities to ensure adherence to competitive solicitation requirements and contracting standards. Provide compliance oversight for cooperative purchasing, strategic contracts, sole source procurements, emergency purchases, and grant‑funded acquisitions. Maintain procurement records and documentation standards supporting audit readiness and regulatory compliance. Coordinate vendor performance reviews and reporting to the state, as appropriate. Collaborate with Internal Audit, Legal Affairs, Compliance, Risk Management, and external regulatory agencies. Technology Modernization and Digital Transformation Lead the modernization of procurement operations through implementation and optimization of procurement technologies and digital platforms. Develop and execute a procurement technology strategy that enhances automation, transparency, analytics, and user experience. Oversee electronic procurement systems including eProcurement, strategic sourcing, contract lifecycle management, supplier management, spend analytics, and procure‑to‑pay platforms. Champion automation initiatives that reduce manual processes and improve operational efficiency. Implement advanced reporting, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics capabilities to support procurement decision‑making. Collaborate with Information Technology leadership to ensure procurement systems align with institutional technology architecture and cybersecurity standards. Promote digital workflows, paperless processes, electronic approvals, and self‑service procurement capabilities. Identify emerging technologies and innovative solutions that improve procurement performance and stakeholder engagement. Ensure procurement technology investments support scalability, compliance, transparency, and operational effectiveness. Operational Excellence and Process Improvement Lead continuous improvement initiatives designed to streamline procurement processes and enhance service delivery. Apply Lean, Six Sigma, process optimization, and operational excellence methodologies to procurement operations. Establish service level agreements and performance standards for procurement functions. Reduce procurement cycle times while maintaining compliance and internal control requirements. Utilize data analytics to identify inefficiencies, opportunities for savings, process bottlenecks, and performance trends. Standardize procurement practices across the institution to improve consistency and operational effectiveness. Develop procurement operating models that support institutional agility and responsiveness. Lead change management efforts associated with procurement transformation initiatives. Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management Direct strategic sourcing programs that maximize value and strengthen supplier relationships. Develop category management strategies for major spend areas including technology, construction, professional services, facilities, research, and administrative operations. Lead complex negotiations involving high‑value contracts and enterprise agreements. Establish supplier performance management programs and vendor evaluation frameworks. Monitor supplier risk, financial stability, compliance performance, and service quality. Promote supplier innovation and collaborative partnerships that support institutional objectives. Expand supplier diversity and small business participation initiatives consistent with state requirements and institutional goals. Develop sourcing strategies that support sustainability, resilience, and long‑term value creation. Contract Administration and Risk Management Oversee procurement‑related contract administration and contracting processes. Ensure contractual agreements appropriately address legal, financial, operational, cybersecurity, data privacy, and compliance risks. Collaborate with Legal Affairs and stakeholders regarding contract review, negotiation, and execution. Establish contract lifecycle management practices that improve visibility and accountability. Monitor contract performance, compliance obligations, and renewal activities. Develop risk assessment methodologies for procurement and supplier activities. Implement controls designed to mitigate fraud, waste, abuse, and procurement‑related risks. Financial Stewardship and Resource Management Provide fiscal leadership and stewardship of institutional procurement expenditures. Identify cost savings, cost avoidance, revenue enhancement, and value optimization opportunities. Monitor procurement performance against budgetary objectives and strategic targets. Support responsible allocation of institutional resources through strategic purchasing decisions. Develop financial analyses and procurement business cases supporting executive decision‑making. Ensure procurement activities maximize value while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness. Leadership and Organizational Development Lead, mentor, and develop procurement professionals and support staff. Foster a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, customer service, innovation, and professional growth. Establish workforce development strategies that build procurement competencies and succession planning. Promote professional certifications, continuing education, and industry engagement. Develop collaborative partnerships across academic and administrative units. Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership regarding procurement strategy and risk. Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Experience Build strong partnerships with faculty, staff, administrators, researchers, and external stakeholders. Develop customer‑focused procurement services that support institutional needs while maintaining compliance. Lead procurement education and outreach initiatives across the University. Promote transparency and communication regarding procurement policies, procedures, and opportunities. Serve as the institutional representative with state agencies, procurement organizations, professional associations, and external partners. Perform other job‑related duties as assigned. FTE 1.0 Hiring Range $130,278.45 - $169,361.98 Education Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Public Administration, Finance, Law, Information Systems, or related field required. Master’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Law, or related discipline preferred. Required Certifications Must hold (or be able to obtain within a specified period) procurement certifications issued or recognized by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, such as: Demonstrated knowledge of Federal and Texas state procurement statutes and rules is required. Preferred Certifications Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP‑CPP) Lean Six Sigma Certification Project Management Professional (PMP) Knowledge Texas public procurement laws and regulations Higher education procurement practices Strategic sourcing and category management Procurement technologies and digital transformation Contract administration and negotiation Risk management and internal controls Supplier diversity programs Federal grant procurement requirements Data analytics and performance measurement Operational excellence methodologies Skill Strategic planning and execution Leadership and organizational development Negotiation and conflict resolution Financial analysis and business case development Process redesign and continuous improvement Relationship management and stakeholder engagement Oral and written communication Data analysis and reporting Ability Lead complex organizational change initiatives Interpret and apply procurement regulations and policies Develop innovative procurement solutions Manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment Exercise sound judgment and ethical decision‑making Analyze complex procurement and contractual issues Communicate effectively with executive leadership, governing boards, regulatory agencies, and external partners Maintain the security and integrity of critical procurement systems, institutional data, and financial operations Required Work Experience Seven (7) years of progressively responsible procurement leadership experience. Five (5) years of supervisory or management experience. Demonstrated experience leading public procurement operations in higher education, government, healthcare, or similarly regulated environments. Experience overseeing competitive solicitations, contract negotiations, supplier management, and procurement compliance programs. Demonstrated success leading technology modernization, digital transformation, and process improvement initiatives. Experience managing enterprise procurement systems and procurement analytics programs. Demonstrated knowledge of procurement governance, risk management, and internal controls. Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment or water treatment system. Preferred Work Experience Experience working with various platforms, including Banner, Jagger, etc. Experience in Texas public higher education procurement. Experience serving as a chief procurement officer, procurement director, or procurement compliance leader. Experience implementing eProcurement, strategic sourcing, procure‑to‑pay, contract management, and spend analytics platforms. Experience with strategic sourcing, category management, Lean process improvement, and operational excellence methodologies. Demonstrated success managing procurement audits and regulatory reviews. Experience leading large‑scale organizational transformation initiatives. Working/Environmental Conditions Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment. Duties may require attendance at meetings, conferences, training programs, supplier events, and institutional functions. Occasional travel may be required. Physical demands are generally limited to normal office activities including sitting, standing, walking, lifting light materials, and operating standard office equipment. EEO Statement It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment‑related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr