Program Management Director, Strategy & Continuous Improvement

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

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Position Base: UCOP - Franklin Building

Location:

Oakland or UC San Diego

Department Overview: UC Systemwide Procurement is the procurement/supply chain hub for the University of California system, with over $10 billion in annual spend. We partner with campus procurement offices to develop and implement systemwide supply chain strategies and policies that leverage UC's vast purchasing power to optimize spend and deliver positive social and environmental impact. Systemwide Procurement is transforming how UC purchases goods and services to maximize benefit to the UC system while improving quality and service to our campuses and beyond.

We apply best-in-class sourcing methods with emphasis on sustainability and supplier diversity, invest in leading tools and technology, and cultivate strategic supplier partnerships to source the highest quality products and services for the absolute best value. Nationally, UC Procurement is a public procurement role model. As a lead agency for cooperative purchasing, UC contracts are leveraged by over 3,500 public education and government agencies in all 50 states.

These organizations depend on and benefit from UC’s expertise, knowledge, reputation, and economies of scale to minimize spend and maximize value. UC Systemwide Procurement fosters an environment for continuous improvement and a growth mindset culture. Our team of approximately 50 dedicated professionals is comprised of specialized portfolio sourcing managers, highly skilled data analysts, efficiency-driven business analysts, knowledgeable functional area administrators, and responsive support staff.

UC Systemwide Procurement is a high-performing strategic department essential to the financial and operational health of the University of California, with high impact at the state and national levels.

The Program Management Director, Strategy & Continuous Improvement, serves on the SWP Leadership Team and is responsible for aligning organizational strategy, portfolio execution, governance, and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. This role leads development of enterprise program and project management capabilities, drives strategic planning and prioritization, oversees execution of critical initiatives, and provides executive leadership with the insights, governance structures, and performance measures needed to achieve organizational objectives.

The Director operates as a trusted strategic advisor in a highly matrixed environment and is recognized as an expert in portfolio management, organizational effectiveness, and transformation leadership.

• 25% STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT & PORTFOLIO ALIGNMENT Partner with SWP Leadership to translate strategic priorities into a cohesive portfolio of initiatives and investments. Serve as a key thought partner to leadership on organizational priorities, execution challenges, and transformation opportunities. Design and facilitate strategic planning, ideation, prioritization, and portfolio review sessions that support informed decision-making and resource allocation. Guide leadership through tradeoff discussions and prioritization decisions to ensure alignment with organizational goals and capacity.
  
  Help leaders navigate complexity while maintaining focus on outcomes and long-term organizational success. Challenge assumptions, identify tradeoffs, and recommend alternatives when plans, priorities, or approaches require adjustment. Identify emerging risks, opportunities, and trends and provide strategic recommendations that inform organizational direction. Balance strategic vision with practical execution realities.
• 25% PROGRAM & PROJECT MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK…