Senior Director of Procurement Operations

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $76,725 and $97,057, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Senior Director of Procurement Operations provides comprehensive oversight to transform procurement activities at Case Western Reserve University, including behaviors, processes, systems, and data, ensuring the delivery of integrated transformation solutions. This role encompasses leading other directors to establish strategic plans focused on organizational development and effectiveness, making key decisions on consulting matters, and ensuring that objectives impacting procurement and stakeholders are met.

The Senior Director is responsible for building and implementing the infrastructure necessary for transformation, promoting consistency in methods, and enhancing effectiveness through resource management, stakeholder engagement, and project management. Close collaboration with campus procurement is essential for the success of this position. The senior director also reviews and approves operational planning recommendations, overseeing departmental outcomes related to costs, resource allocation, methods, and staffing. Additionally, they lead large-scale transformation initiatives and oversee all systemwide procurement transformation activities, maintaining rigorous process controls and championing best practices.

Essential Functions

• Procurement Operations Leadership: Lead and optimize procurement service offerings, including maintaining and enhancing procurement-related technology and driving continuous improvement initiatives. (10%)
• Team Development: Manage and develop the procurement operations team by defining measurable goals, providing real-time feedback and formal assessments, and fostering an inclusive career experience with a focus on professional development and succession planning. (10%)
• Operational Excellence and Transformation: Drive large-scale procurement transformation initiatives focused on process improvement, automation, and digitalization, ensuring robust procurement policies are developed and implemented. (10%)
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Lead cross-functional teams to identify cost-saving initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring effective supplier performance management. (10%)
• Technology Management: Serve as the functional owner for procurement technology solutions, ensuring current knowledge of emerging technology enhancements, and supporting user training and process re-engineering. (10%)
• Procurement Process Leadership: Ensure procurement practices are innovative, efficient, and aligned with business objectives. (10%)
• Internal Controls and Governance: Establish internal controls for procure-to-invoice workflows and ensure adherence to policies, including compliance with uniform guidance for federal grants. (10%)
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with leadership across operations, finance, IT, and other departments to ensure procurement strategies support overall business goals, promoting the effective use of procurement technologies. (10%)
• Executive Vendor Management: Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with key suppliers, negotiate impactful contracts, and act as the primary escalation point for complex vendor negotiations. (10%)
• Executive Reporting and Analysis: Provide high-level reporting and analysis on procurement activities to the executive team, ensuring data integration across systems to inform strategic decision-making. (10%)
  
  
  

Nonessential Funcitons

Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with division leadership and direct reports for leadership, supervision, and collaboration. Daily contact with staff for leadership and collaboration, direction, guidance and professional development.

University: Frequent contact with the Vice President of Campus Services and all university management centers, specifically deans and business officers, auxiliaries, university general departments such as controller, internal audit, financial planning and CFO department.

External: Regular contact with vendors and external auditors. Contact with peer institutions and organizations as necessary.

Students: Regular contact with students.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervise the Director of Research Strategic Sourcing and Director of Non-Research Strategic Sourcing, four Category Managers, 2 Contract Expeditors, and 2 Senior Buyers.

QUALIFICAITONS

Experience: 10 years of experience, preferably at a college or university, with at least 5 years of experience in a senior management position.

Education: Bachelor's degree in appropriate field required. Master's degree in business preferred. CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) preferred.

Required Skills

• Strong facilitator possessing the ability to work collaboratively with entities in developing and promoting all Procurement and Distribution Services related services in support of the university's mission.
• Ability to assess relevance of procurement and distribution information.
• Works with staff and internal and external peers to develop staffing and technology solutions to our administrative, monitoring, and support needs.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with other departments and external contacts to develop and maintain effective working relationships, especially with key functional partners such as [U]Tech, HR, Legal, and finance
• Ability to evaluate, recommend, plan and manage projects utilizing a strategic mindset
• Experience in budget and project management.
• Proficiency in the use of applications software, data structures, utilities, operating systems, and communication interfaces to support and enhance the Campus Services mission and to meet administrative needs.
• Direct experience and working knowledge of software/hardware environments relevant to the integration of related technology, especially PeopleSoft Financials and OnBase by Hyland
• Broad knowledge of IT network infrastructure.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
  
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

Typical office environment. The employee will need to drive to various appointments and training on and off campus

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.