University of Chicago · 1 month ago
Manager, Procurement Sourcing, HR and Professional Services
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$100K/yr - $115K/yr
7+ years expThe University of Chicago is seeking a Manager for Procurement Sourcing in HR and Professional Services. This role oversees procurement activities, manages supplier relationships, and ensures compliance with federal guidelines and university policies.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Leads HR and professional services procurement activities and serves as primary liaison with all contracted suppliers and primary procurement subject matter expert for the academic and nonacademic departments and divisions of the University
Drafts specifications and provides support as needed to internal clients in the formulation of bid specifications. Manages the full cycle request for quotations/proposal/information (RFQ/P/I) process and assists in the evaluation of supplier quotations/proposals and facilitates supplier selection and award recommendation
Develops, formats, composes, and/or reviews all agreements independently and/or under direction, including interface with cross-functional departments such as the Office of Legal Counsel and Risk Management for issue escalation as appropriate
Operates in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), contract templates, and other procurement documents and training materials
Conducts negotiations with potential and existing suppliers. Manages, monitors, and modifies, as needed, the agreements and procurement aspects of assigned major contracts
Locates and defines needs and opportunities for new contracts. Identifies, assesses, and expands supplier pool. Participates in supplier development initiatives related to assigned commodity and socially responsible purchasing initiatives
Reviews contractor and supplier performance. Coordinates and communicates all non-performance issues to suppliers and ensures resolution through documented progressive action or termination of contract
Represents the Procurement and Payment Services unit in procurement-related meetings with other University departments
Ensures compliance with the management systems which support administrative and daily operations. This could include electronic databases, files, and contract repositories
Develops cost containment initiatives and provides continuous maintenance of processes and systems in support of procurement needs
Remains abreast of emerging industry trends and risks
Works independently with internal and external clients
Uses best practices and in-depth knowledge to review and monitor the goals and objectives of the Procurement and Payment Services department to ensure quarterly, and annual goals are achieved
Ensures contracts and sourcing projects are executed in a timely manner and in adherence to established service level agreements
Assists the category lead with developing and driving overall category strategy. Mentors the senior buyer with projects and initiatives and reviews their work as needed
Compelling and persuasive communicator, both oral and written, with excellent interpersonal skills to drive influence and negotiations
Effectively handles highly sensitive, and often highly confidential, University information using exemplary judgement, tact and diplomacy
Develop supplier relationships that capture and leverage the University’s and its affiliates total expenditures in regards to a specific service or commodity with cost effective, innovative solutions for identified audience. Remains abreast of emerging trends and risks
Performs final commitment action for procurements under standard procedures of the University. Is authorized to perform discretionary judgment decisions based upon pricing analysis up to established dollar threshold
Performs other related work as needed
Qualification
Required
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline
Resume/CV (required)
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or related field
Seven years of procurement or supply chain experience in a buyer, sourcing, contract administrator, or similar role
Indirect procurement category sourcing experience, preferably in HR and/or professional services
Demonstrated negotiation ability with experience in dealing directly with suppliers, consultants, manufacturers, distributors, and sales agents or representatives
Demonstrated customer service orientation in a support or service department
Background with supplier contract negotiations
Prior experience with an ERP system, preferably Oracle Fusion
Strong computer skills with competency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Superior organizational skills and attention to detail, including the demonstrated ability to build consensus among a diverse stakeholder base
Proven ability to think strategically while planning, organizing, coordinating and directing multiple projects and activities with varied requirements and deadlines in support of a complex agenda
Excellent negotiation skills, evidenced by significant deliverables (cost savings, risk mitigation) resulting from completed negotiations
Enforce policies and procedures, and continuously focus on process improvement opportunities
Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent financial acumen
Cover Letter (preferred)
References Contact Information (3)(preferred)
Benefits
Health
Retirement
Paid time off
Company
University of Chicago
One of the world’s great intellectual destinations, the University of Chicago empowers scholars and students to ask tough questions, cross disciplinary boundaries, and challenge conventional thinking to enrich human life around the globe.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Chicago 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 (341)
2024 (318)
2023 (285)
2022 (233)
2021 (179)
2020 (172)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Benedicte Nolens
Distinguished Executive in Residence
Recent News
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