Strategic Sourcing Specialist - University Center, United States - Saginaw Valley State University

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary focus of this position is to author and conduct complex competitive solicitation processes (RFPs, Bids, etc.) to support the selection of best-value products and services in support of high-priority, strategic University initiatives. Work will be completed in accordance with the University's purchasing policies & procedures and in accordance with local, state, and federal laws & regulations. This position will also support and perform day-to-day Purchasing functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve as the department's sourcing strategy expert and primary lead on RFP and competitive events. Demonstrate expertise with respect to all procurement concepts, tools, and techniques for obtaining best value for the University while maintaining compliance with policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.

Work in a consultative manner with internal and external University stakeholders to facilitate product research and guide the development of appropriate specifications to facilitate effective and error-free competitive solicitation processes for the strategic procurement of goods and services with goals of limiting unnecessary risk and maximizing cost savings and cost avoidance for the University.

Determine customer expectations, author & distribute bids and request for proposals, accurately analyze & provide summary results of bids or proposals, make sound recommendations consistent with supporting resources, and generate desirable outcomes that deliver optimum value for the University and meet or exceed the needs of the project stakeholders.

Remain current with trends in terms & conditions to assure that the University maintains compliance with legal requirements and to protect the University's contractual best interests.

Analyze University utilization and consumption patterns to identify opportunities to consolidate and leverage campus buying power. Work in cooperation with University stakeholders to standardize best practices and products for the purpose of selecting strategic partners that will yield savings, efficiencies, supplier responsiveness, and enhance product and service quality received by the University.

Communicate with campus community regarding approvedpurchasing procedures and practices.

Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of software procurement complexities, and guide members of the campus community through software procurement and renewal processes.

Develop proficiency with University procurement systems and the ability accurately explain the use of these systems to University stakeholders.

Develop the ability to review, redline and negotiate University preferred contract terms and conditions.

Support requisition review, editing, and PO processing as needed.

Maintain appropriate vendor relationships. Communicatewith external partners to assure timely delivery of goods and services as well as rectify shipping errors, damages, and returns for credit.

Assist with the training of University stakeholders regarding procurement best practices, purchasing policies & procedures, preferred contract terms and conditions, and procurement technology systems.

Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to Associate Director of Purchasing; may also receive supervision from higher levels of management.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in related field.

Three to five years of work experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Detailed, accurate, and grammatically correct written & oral English language communication skills are an absolute requirement of this position.

Must be a customer focused, results oriented, strategic thinking, problem-solver with mathematical and financial acumen.

Demonstrated Microsoft Office Suite of products skills are required. Must have the ability to quickly adapt to use of procurement software systems and Enterprise Resource Planning Software systems.

Must be a self-starter with demonstrated ability to work alone or as a part of a team and perform duties within scheduled time limits.

Must exercise independent and appropriate judgment based on specific situations, within guidelines and defined authority limits.

Demonstrated positive interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and project a positive image.

Experience and ability to positively interact with a diverse campus community.

Ability to perform the essential functions and requirements of the job.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance or Supply Chain Management

Experience in higher education

Experience with Ellucian Colleague or Workday

WORKING CONDITIONS: Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job, and shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Posted through: Open Until Filled