Procurement Category Manager

Overview

This Procurement Category Manager role will develop and lead the execution of The University of Texas at Austin’s Procurement and Payment Services spend in the Maintenance, Repairs and Operations (MRO) category management strategies. The incumbent will analyze market intelligence and interpret spend data to identify and develop new contract opportunities, including improving existing university-wide contracts. Opportunities may be shared with other universities as deemed in UT Austin's best interests.

The MRO Category Manager will interface with leadership and key stakeholders to align business strategy, market dynamics, supplier capabilities, and spend analytics to develop robust category plans for a highly distributed, multi-faceted environment. Success depends on facilitating collaborative client department relationships, maintaining subject matter expertise, managing university-wide contracts and supplier relations, and meeting department and category goals.

Job Posting

Title:

Procurement Category Manager

Hiring Department: Procurement and Payment Services

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40

FLSA Status: Exempt

Earliest

Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: AUSTIN, TX

As procurement category manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing high value category management strategies that balance stakeholder, transaction, and supplier relationship management to unlock the greatest value for UT Austin. You will establish category goals and utilize spend tools for measuring progress against those goals and oversee the execution of the category plan.

• Benchmark contract pricing to determine the best source of supply, comply with laws and regulations, provide reports for contract cost savings, goals and metrics; identify new sources of supply based on spend analysis and engage new suppliers, focusing on customer needs. Work with campus departments to drive spend to contracted suppliers using scorecard analysis.
• Collaborate with representatives from across the university to administer sourcing activities, establish detailed requirements for complex procurements, select appropriate procurement methods, and lead negotiations. Obtain/maintain sufficient understanding of technical subject matter; use formal and informal solicitation methods; conduct Best and Final offers when appropriate; issue purchase orders.
• Manage Supplier Relationship and Portfolio Management, including working with suppliers to identify and execute cost and performance improvements, resolve supplier performance issues, engage with new suppliers, conduct spend analysis, perform risk analysis, and develop strategies. Lead quarterly business reviews with key suppliers.
• Maintain paperless file documentation online and in procurement tools, organizing documentation relevant to audit reviews, contract renewals, terminations and performance, solicitations, protests and disputes, and supplier due dates.
• Work in a collaborative team environment, build consensus, and lead multi-party negotiations. Act in a consultative role with departments to determine how Procurement and Payment Services can best support achieving department goals, and develop sourcing plans and strategies that meet those needs.

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Business or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years’ procurement experience leading qualitative selection processes for RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, and leading selection/evaluation committees.
• Professional purchasing certification(s) to be attained within twelve months, including one of the following: CTCD, CTPM, NIGP-CPP, UPPCC-CPPB, UPPCC-CPPO, ISM-CPSM, or ISM-CPM.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• MBA or advanced degree in a related discipline
• 2-3 years in higher education procurement
• CPPO, CPM, or CPSM certification
• Knowledge of automated procurement systems (e.g., Jaggaer, Bonfire)
• Knowledge of Texas Education Code and Federal Regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance)
• 3+ years leading spend category in IT Hardware, Software & Services
• 3+…