Brown University · 2 months ago
Assistant Director, Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager
South Street Landing
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
7+ years expBrown University is seeking an Assistant Director, Strategic Sourcing and Category Manager to optimize procurement processes and maximize value across its supply chain. This role involves leading strategic sourcing initiatives, developing category management strategies, and negotiating contracts while collaborating with university stakeholders to align procurement activities with institutional goals.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Lead and manage all aspects of the strategic sourcing process, from needs assessment and market analysis to supplier selection and contract award
Manage the evaluation of supplier proposals and presentations, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. Coordinate with department representatives and/or committee members through review & selection process
Develop and execute sourcing strategies for high-spend and critical categories, including Request for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Information (RFIs), and other competitive solicitations
Conduct comprehensive market research to identify potential suppliers, emerging technologies, and industry trends
Analyze spending data and stakeholder requirements to identify opportunities for cost savings, process efficiencies, and value creation
Collaborate with University departments to gain an understanding of unique service level requirements and availability of resources to define requirements and develop clear, concise sourcing documents (ensuring alignment with University goals, bid thresholds, & policies)
Develop key performance indicators for chosen suppliers and negotiate to award strategic contracts with measurable SLA metrics that result in cost reductions and improved service levels
Promote the inclusion of socially responsible and inclusive procurement practices in the University’s bid process
Support supplier and contract transition processes, maintaining continuity of service during transition from one supplier to another and ensuring that appropriate process is followed for termination/non-renewal of existing contracts. Work with internal departments to plan, coordinate, execute, and track supplier transitions
Develop, implement, and manage multi-year category strategies for assigned spend categories that meet the University’s business needs
Act as the primary subject matter expert for assigned categories, providing guidance and insights to stakeholders on market trends, supplier capabilities, and best practices
Conduct spend analysis and demand forecasting to inform category strategies and identify opportunities for consolidation or optimization
Establish and maintain strong relationships with key University stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure category strategies are aligned with their objectives
Monitor and report on the performance of category strategies, including savings achieved, risk mitigation, and supplier performance
Become familiar with and promote the use of the University’s group purchasing cooperatives and strategic alliances to leverage competitive pricing and awarded contracts available through these memberships
Lead and execute negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and conditions
Edit, review, and finalize a wide range of procurement contracts, including master service agreements, statements of work, and non-disclosure agreements using University approved templates
Review, edit, and finalize terms and conditions provided by suppliers to ensure compliance with University requirements and legal obligations
Collaborate with legal counsel, risk management, and other internal departments to ensure contract terms are legally sound and mitigate University risk
Manage new contract requests, contract renewals and amendments; ensuring all changes are properly documented and approved within the University’s contract management system
Resolve contract disputes and issues in a timely and effective manner
Provide timely updates to University stakeholders throughout the negotiation process
Provide guidance to and advise strategic sourcing team members on the development of category strategies, RFP/bid packages (ensuring alignment with University goals, bid thresholds, & policies) utilizing automated bidding tool, and on leading the process with internal and external stakeholders
Provide guidance on the management of bid processes from initiation to award including contract development/negotiation/execution, and coordination with department representatives and/or review committee members through review & selection process. Assist with analysis of proposals/bids and provide consultative guidance on ethics, process, and supplier selection
Provide advice and guidance on the supplier transition process, maintaining continuity of service during the transition from one supplier to another, as well as on requirements for termination of existing contracts
Lead the execution of the University’s supplier performance management program within assigned categories, including the establishment of key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular performance reviews for required suppliers
Manage supplier relationships within assigned categories to ensure high levels of service, quality, and compliance with contractual obligations
Actively support the University’s community engagement initiatives by participating in key initiatives aimed at promoting opportunities for small, local and diverse suppliers
Develop and deliver training and presentations to University staff on procurement policies, procedures, and best practices
Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes and systems and support other assigned tasks
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of experience and education in an applicable field such as supply chain management, business administration, finance, logistics or other related field
7 years of direct experience developing category strategies, managing competitive bid processes utilizing strategic sourcing methodologies, negotiating contracts and building consensus with stakeholders
Proven track record of successfully leading sourcing projects and achieving significant cost savings
Strong negotiation skills and contract management experience with ability to effectively assess risk and pursue appropriate commercial terms
Strong analytical skills and experience developing and reporting on metrics and quantifiable savings
Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to influence without authority
Experience with data analysis using an ERP/WMS (integrated work management systems)
Experience in sourcing and category management across diverse categories of spending
Knowledge of procurement in a university setting strongly preferred
Preferred
While experience in higher education procurement is preferred, a proven track record of successful sourcing initiatives, complex negotiation, contract management, and cost-saving achievements is required
Professional certifications in strategic sourcing, supply chain, procurement – strongly preferred
Benefits
Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here
Company
Brown University
Brown University is an Ivy League research university that provides undergraduate and graduate programs. It is a sub-organization of Brown University Health.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Brown University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (105)
2024 (84)
2023 (100)
2022 (73)
2021 (56)
2020 (40)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$860.76MKey Investors
RI Life Science HubNASADepartment of Energy & Environment
2025-07-28Debt Financing· $500M
2025-04-11Debt Financing· $300M
2024-08-08Grant· $0.01M
Leadership Team
Diane Lipscombe
Professor of Neuroscience
J
Jane Dietze
Chief Investment Officer
Recent News
2025-12-30
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