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The University of Kansas · 4 weeks ago

Senior Procurement Officer - Information Technology (IT)

Lawrence, KS

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$90K/yr - $110K/yr

2+ years exp

The University of Kansas is seeking a Senior Procurement Officer for Information Technology (IT) to lead strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and procurement execution for the University's IT categories. This role will manage complex technology acquisitions and collaborate with various stakeholders to develop procurement strategies that optimize value and support the university's digital transformation.

ConsultingHealth CareNon Profit

Responsibilities

Develop and manage strategic sourcing initiatives for IT categories, aligning procurement strategies with institutional goals and technology roadmaps

Conduct market research, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership analysis to ensure competitive pricing and high-value solutions

Identify and implement cost-saving, risk-reducing, and value-added procurement strategies in technology categories

Lead competitive bidding processes (RFPs, RFQs, renewals, and vendor evaluations) for IT systems, software, and service engagements

Negotiate complex IT contracts, including Saas agreements, licensing terms, warranties, cybersecurity and data-privacy requirements, and service level agreements (SLAs)

Draft, negotiate, and manage contracts in alignment with KU policies, state regulations, and data-security frameworks

Collaborate with KU IT, Information Security, Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, and Finance to ensure procurement outcomes support institutional priorities

Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to enhance service delivery and optimize long-term contract performance

Manage contract lifecycle activities including renewals, amendments, compliance monitoring, and supplier performance evaluations

Analyze IT supplier trends and market developments to support strategic planning and sourcing decisions

Serve as a primary procurement liaison for KU IT and technology stakeholders across academic and administrative units

Facilitate cross-functional meetings to align technical, financial, legal, information security, and operational requirements

Educate internal stakeholders on procurement best practices, technology contract standards, and strategic sourcing principles

Collaborate across departments to reduce procurement silos, improve transparency, and support enterprise-wide planning and decision-making

Ensure compliance with university procurement policies, state regulations, data-security standards, and accessibility requirements

Improve procurement processes related to technology categories, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and institutional control

Maintain accurate procurement documentation and support audits, risk assessments, and reporting requirements

Provide training and guidance to campus stakeholders on IT procurement, policy interpretation, and contract compliance

Qualification

Procurement managementContract negotiationSupplier managementStrategic sourcingEnterprise procurement systemsData-security standardsCost-saving strategiesProcess improvementCompliance monitoringMarket researchTrainingGuidanceHigher education experienceProfessional certificationCommunication skillsRelationship-buildingCross-functional collaborationProject management

Required

Bachelor's Degree and two (2) years of related experience OR high school diploma/GED and six (6) years of related experience

Experience managing procurement for complex categories-preferably IT goods, services, or software as evidenced in application materials

Experience that required strong negotiation skills and a record of achieving favorable terms, cost savings, or improved supplier performance as shown in application materials

Experience working independently and managing multiple projects simultaneously, as evidenced in application materials

Experience requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills with cross functional teams as shown in application materials

Experience that required knowledge of procurement best practices, contracting processes, and supplier management as evidenced in application materials

Experience with enterprise procurement systems and contract management tools, as shown in application materials