Senior Procurement Category Specialist

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

910 Genesee St, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14611

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

100100 Purchasing

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 110

Compensation Range:

$61,000.00 - $85,400.00

Responsibilities:

Manages a portfolio of contracts. Negotiates contracts, new and renewals, on behalf of the organization. Implements enterprise wide strategic plan for the purchase of goods and services. Develops business plans and relationships with internal customers and suppliers to act in the best interest of the organization. Evaluates and analyzes all spend categories under their management to identify and report savings risks and opportunities in collaboration with departmental leaders. Assists leadership to develop strategies and lead efforts to mitigate these risks and increase savings. Evaluates departmental requests, researches marketplace, conducts competitive bidding, qualifies suppliers, analyzes results and negotiates the business transaction (price, delivery, contract terms and conditions) for the long term. Performs financial value and/or lease versus buy analysis as required. Negotiates contractual terms and conditions and works with Supervision, Legal and Risk Management, as required, to ensure the risk to the University of Rochester is minimized.

Essential Functions:

• Authorizes contracts and purchase orders for regular, standing orders and leases. Researches products and prices, identifies qualified suppliers, obtains technical and/or performance specifications, and performs financial and value analysis. Organizes and leads sourcing teams for respective commodities. Ensures proper authorization, account numbers, price, supplier qualification and contract terms.
• Constructs and implements Strategic Sourcing projects in accordance with University policies and federal procurement regulations, covering all University and Medical Center locations across multiple sites. Leads negotiation activity for multiple categories across the enterprise. Strategizes with respective Category Manager to establish Procurement policies and support Procurement direction for University customers.
• Focuses on process improvement opportunities with a goal of reducing waste and inefficient processes. Leverages technology to improve business processes and decision-making. Works with value analysis, contracts manager and departments to identify cost savings opportunities. Analyzes current business processes, while identifying and offering continuous improvement opportunities for existing processes. Conducts accurate and timely reporting of savings against goals.
• Markets the department’s services to the University community and drives change management initiatives. Promotes local and small business relationships and complies with University goals and federal requirements. Serves on University and community committees and participates in professional associations as appropriate. May represent the University in user groups, trade fairs, and buying consortia.
• Maintains a category-wide view of procurement to maximize value for the customer. Establishes and maintains customer and supplier partnerships to identify opportunities for cost and process improvements. Develops a strong, collaborative relationship with all Department leadership, proactively planning for future purchases. Builds and maintains sound, collaborative relationships with University users and suppliers.
• Remains current on new purchasing methods, sources of supply and products. Keeps abreast of and evaluates regulatory/supplier changes and industry/application trends to support future planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience Direct purchasing experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated skills in Microsoft tools and Business systems required
• Ability to learn quickly and collaborate cross-functionally required
• Negotiation, communication, and project management skills required

Licenses and Certifications:

• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) or similar upon hire preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.