Senior Lead, IT Procurement & Contracts

Senior Lead, IT Procurement & Contracts

Information and Technology Services (ITS) is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Lead, IT Procurement & Contracts to join the Procurement team and serve as a key contributor and emerging leader. This role bridges tactical execution and strategic oversight, combining deep, hands-on procurement expertise with growing responsibility for leadership, planning, and operational influence.

The Senior Lead manages complex technology procurement activities (software, hardware, and professional services), leads high-value negotiations, and drives process improvements while partnering closely with leadership on strategic initiatives. This position serves as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, mentors team members, and may oversee projects or staff, positioning the incumbent for future advancement into a formal management role.

This position reports directly to the Assistant Director of IT Purchasing and Contracts.

Procurement Leadership & Execution

• Lead end-to-end procurement activities for complex and high-value technology purchases, including sourcing, competitive bidding, contract negotiation, and purchasing.
• Negotiate software, hardware, and professional services agreements to achieve optimal pricing, terms, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as a primary liaison between ITS, central procurement, legal, and vendors.
• Manage vendor relationships, ensuring strong performance, issue resolution, and long-term strategic value.
• Analyze market trends, licensing models, and supplier strategies to inform purchasing decisions.

Strategy & Operational Influence

• Partner with procurement and ITS leadership to support short and long-term planning, including contract strategy, cost optimization, and process improvements.
• Contribute to development and refinement of procurement policies, standards, and best practices.
• Analyze spend data and procurement metrics to identify trends, efficiencies, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Support compliance with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and audit readiness.
• Assist in shaping sourcing strategies and improving contract lifecycle management.

Project & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead or co-lead complex, cross-functional procurement initiatives with broad organizational impact.
• Collaborate with technical teams, project managers, and business stakeholders to align procurement strategies with project goals.
• Provide guidance on budgeting, forecasting, and vendor selection decisions.
• Represent procurement in key meetings and presentations, including with senior leadership.

Mentorship & Team Development

• Mentor and provide guidance to junior procurement staff, reviewing work and supporting professional development.
• Delegate tasks and provide oversight on procurement activities where appropriate.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex procurement issues.
• May provide input into performance evaluations and hiring processes.

Operational Support & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain working knowledge of team responsibilities to provide backup support as needed.
• Identify and implement improvements to procurement workflows, tools, and systems.
• Support initiatives to enhance customer experience and service delivery across ITS.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or Information Technology.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in procurement, contract management, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in IT procurement, including negotiating complex software and technology contracts.
• Proven ability to operate independently while influencing stakeholders and outcomes.
• Experience leading projects and mentoring or guiding others
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present to technical teams and leadership.
• Experience with procurement systems, ERP platforms, and contract management tools.
• A valid professional certification such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM).

• Master's degree (MBA or related field).
• Prior supervisory or managerial experience
• Experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations.
• Exposure to budgeting, financial planning, or compliance functions.
• Experience supporting audits, vendor performance management, or contract lifecycle strategy.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This role is designed as a senior individual contributor position with leadership responsibilities and offers a pathway toward future management opportunities. The selected candidate will further develop expertise in IT procurement…