Head of Strategy (Remote)

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Sourcing, this position will oversee multiple commodity categories and support enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives. The Strategic Sourcing Manager will manage assigned projects, commodities, strategic suppliers, RFx processes, and negotiations. The Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for contributing to and effectively executing the University System's defined strategic sourcing strategies in the acquisition of goods and services. The primary responsibility of the Strategic Sourcing Manager is to work with the Director of Strategic Sourcing in executing the sourcing strategies and methodology as well as fulfill large spend requests submitted by the campuses.

This position may have the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule (partially remote and in-office). Periodic campus/system office visits will be required.

Responsible for comprehensive management of assigned categories and projects with an emphasis on cost optimization and value maximization. This includes overall category management including identifying cost savings and improvement opportunities, planning and executing strategic sourcing processes, effectively managing supplier relationships, monitoring contract compliance, working with eProcurement to implement and manage appropriate catalogs and forms to streamline the procure-to-pay process, and building excellent relationships with campus clients.

Proactively and effectively engage with campus stakeholders to build relationships, understand business needs and instill confidence that procurement is a highly capable and professional function able to add value and meet the business needs of campus stakeholders. Works independently and closely with functional stakeholder management teams and suppliers to develop and implement integrated sourcing strategies for managed categories including competitive landscape, technology, and business direction, supplier analysis, development and selection, pricing strategy, and cost reduction opportunities.

Works collaboratively with customers to understand demand behavior, specification requirements, and product/service needs.

Utilizes qualitative and quantitative data to influence stakeholders and obtain support for new or improved courses of action that maximize value to the organization.

Business Case Development

Develops solid business cases to support recommended courses of action that rely upon quantitative and/or qualitative measures that clearly show the pros and cons of recommended courses of action and the benefit of the recommended direction.

Present business cases both formally and informally to procurement and organizational leadership as well as stakeholders.

Strategic Sourcing & Project Management

Oversee the development and execution of category management strategies to include risk assessments, overall market, industry and supply base analysis, and category and vendor segmentation.

Develops and manages an annual procurement plan and multi-year portfolio strategy that aligns with strategic vision, business forecast/objectives, and annual financial plan. Ensures short, medium, and long-term strategy for supplier management strategic direction.

Develop, champion, and ensure implementation of strategic sourcing principles that will optimize total cost of ownership for spend categories.

Conducts supplier research and gathers market intelligence to ensure appropriate products/services are being acquired at competitive prices.

Defines key metrics and leads the contract negotiation process for pricing, key terms, service level requirements, and other performance metrics.

Performs total cost of ownership evaluations, supply-market research and conducts pricing and impact analysis.

Provides project management and coordination for strategic sourcing initiatives to ensure success throughout the entire process.

May manage and/or provide direction to Sourcing Specialists or other assigned staff by providing guidance, prioritizing workloads, administering training, and conducting performance evaluations.

Ensures all selection processes comply with applicable Federal, State, and University System Laws and Regulations.

Conducts regular business and performance reviews with key suppliers and internal stakeholders. Measures and manages supplier performance relative to contracted service levels.

Analyzes supplier data to determine pricing inconsistencies, savings opportunities, consolidation, and demand management opportunities.

Identifies and resolves key supplier performance issues to ensure customer satisfaction and supplier performance is at or above required service levels.

Works collaboratively with suppliers and customer stakeholders to identify and execute continuous cost and performance improvement strategies.

Drives implementation of preferred supplier relationships across campus by developing internal marketing action plans and executing them effectively.

Tracks projected value creation (cost savings, avoidance, revenue, rebates, prompt pay incentives, efficiency improvements) using USNH methodology and tracking processes and provides business justifications and backup documentation to support savings claims with stakeholders and finance teams.

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field

Five years' experience in strategic sourcing with strong knowledge of related sourcing processes, tools/systems, policies, and best practices.

Strong project management skills, including meeting stakeholder timelines and leading teams.

Demonstrated ability to develop highly functioning stakeholder relationships to achieve key business and performance objectives.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office software including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint required. Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, or other relevant fields of study.

The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations.