Procurement Operations Analyst

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Procurement Operations Analyst serves as the department's lead resource for procurement analytics, reporting, business intelligence, and continuous improvement. This role leverages data, technology, and process optimization to drive operational excellence, support informed decision-making, and enhance procurement performance. The position also provides operational support across the procurement lifecycle, serves as a backup to the Procurement Coordinator, and supports strategic initiatives that advance the university's procurement objectives.

The Procurement Operations Analyst serves as the department's lead resource for procurement analytics, reporting, business intelligence, and continuous improvement. This role leverages data, technology, and process optimization to drive operational excellence, support informed decision-making, and enhance procurement performance. The position also provides operational support across the procurement lifecycle, serves as a backup to the Procurement Coordinator, and supports strategic initiatives that advance the university's procurement objectives.

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, analytical, and passionate about improving business outcomes through data, technology, and process improvement. They enjoy transforming information into actionable insights, identifying opportunities to enhance systems and workflows, and supporting data-driven decision-making.

This individual is equally comfortable with strategic thinking and hands‑on execution, embraces continuous learning, and is motivated by making a measurable impact through innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence.

This position is offered as a hybrid role (minimum of 2 days in the office per week). Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

$56,560 - $70,000, contingent upon qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on a year-for-year basis, may be substituted.
• One or more (1+) years of experience in procurement, supply chain, business analytics, operations, financial analysis, or a related field.

• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, interpret, analyze, and present data to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and support business decision-making.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving, and process improvement capabilities.
• Strong customer service orientation with a positive attitude and sense of urgency.
• Ability to translate complex information into meaningful reports, visualizations, and actionable recommendations.
• Ability to develop and present dashboards, scorecards, KPI reporting, and data visualizations that support decision‑making.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Self‑motivated with strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of performance and consistently meet commitments.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems, reporting tools, business intelligence platforms, and other business applications.
• Ability to leverage emerging technologies, automation, and AI‑enabled tools to improve productivity, reporting, and business processes.
• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.

• Five or more (5+) years of experience in procurement, supply chain, business analytics, operations, financial analysis, or a related field.
• Experience with data visualization, business intelligence, and reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, Oracle Analytics, or similar applications.
• Experience developing…