Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager

Job Description:

The Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager (SSSM) should be an experienced strategic sourcing professional with a proven track record of success in identifying and achieving savings targets through the development and execution of category strategies including spend analysis, RFX processes, contract negotiation / creation / lifecycle management, savings tracking, and supplier relationship / performance management. This position fulfills the lead role on the Strategic Sourcing Team in the Office of Strategic Procurement & Contracts (SPC) to manage and provide guidance and training to other team members and end users on systems and processes related to the RFP process and utilization of e-sourcing and supplier performance management technology. While the individual in this role will have a primary focus on the IT category and work closely with stakeholders in the University’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) to support both small and enterprise wide initiatives, they will also be responsible for category management to support other areas including, but not limited to, Athletics and Dining Services, as well as SPC special initiatives.

The SSSM is also responsible for spend reporting and metrics related to key initiatives. Reviewing and approving procurement requisitions and vetting new supplier requests for relevant categories is also part of this role to ensure compliance with University policies and to redirect and provide guidance to departments as necessary. 

Major Responsibilities:

Strategic Category Management

• Analyze spend data and purchasing patterns to identify and promote strategic sourcing opportunities to leverage buying power and shift buying behaviors to strategic partners.
• Develop and manage action plans and execute sourcing strategies to achieve cost savings/ avoidance and other applicable objectives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support category management, recommend and execute strategic sourcing events, develop criteria for evaluation & selection of proposals.
• Negotiate/renegotiate contracts; manage and monitor supplier relationships and contract performance, and conduct regular business reviews.
• Track quantifiable savings; develop, monitor, and report on key metrics (spend on contracts, savings and other benefits captured, etc.).
• Develop key performance indicators for suppliers and negotiate to award competitive strategic contracts that result in cost reductions and improved service levels.
• Engage with and promote the use of the University’s group purchasing cooperatives and strategic alliances in order to take advantage of special pricing and competitively awarded contracts made available through these memberships.

• Review and vetting of new supplier requests. Continually develop and maintain category management expertise. Manage project requests to prioritize and identify timelines.
• Collaborate with end users/stakeholders to develop RFP/bid packages (ensuring alignment with University goals, bid thresholds, & policies) utilizing automated bidding tool when appropriate, and facilitate the process with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop an understanding of business needs and unique service level requirements and availability of resources and conduct market research to inform sourcing strategies.
• Promote the inclusion of socially responsible procurement practices (diversity & local suppliers, sustainability efforts, etc.) in the University’s bid process.
• Project Management of the bid process from initiation to award to contract development/negotiation/execution and post-award performance management, and coordinate with department representatives and/or review committee members through review & selection process.
•  Analyze proposals/bids and provide consultative guidance on ethics, process, and supplier selection.
• Support supplier and contract transition process, maintaining continuity of service during transition from one supplier to another. Work with internal departments to plan, coordinate, execute, and track supplier transitions, ensuring adherence to, and compliance with stated contract terms and requirements.

Procurement Management Responsibilities

• Review and approve purchase requisitions to ensure that documentation requirements are met and to determine appropriateness of purchase according to the University’s policies that support procurement transactions (e.g. supplier selection, inclusion of local and small business suppliers, sustainability, etc.,) and Uniform Guidance requirements for purchases charged to federal funds.
• Manage and conduct quarterly analysis on utilization of supplier punchouts in the University’s e-procurement marketplace to ensure accuracy of pricing and information and work with suppliers as necessary to resolve any identified issues, implement changes, and to initiate and amend contract terms as needed.
• Responsible for management and oversight of the e-sourcing and supplier performance management technology
• Responsible for reporting on key spend areas and metrics
• Consult on Updates to policies related to purchasing
• Work closely with the director and other stakeholders on process improvement initiatives, including the creation or refinement of strategic sourcing templates and usage of technology / tools and standard operating procedures related to the RFP process.
• Work on other process improvement initiatives and special projects as assigned

Supplier Development Program

• Lead planning and execution of SPC Annual Supplier Summit
• Lead outreach, communication, and follow up efforts with local and disadvantaged suppliers
• Influence the supplier selection process by promoting the engagement and inclusion of small, local, diverse suppliers across campus
• Work with other departments and external organizations as applicable to supplier engagement and development initiatives

Training and Guidance

• Provide system and process training to Strategic Sourcing Team - advising on the RFP process utilizing automated bidding tool and templates, leading the process with internal and external stakeholders, and standard operating procedures (ensuring alignment with University goals, policies and consistency of process).
• Provide guidance on the development and management of bid processes from initiation to award, including contract development/negotiation/execution, and coordination with department representatives and/or review committee members through review & selection process. Assist with analysis of proposals/bids and provide consultative guidance on ethics, process, and supplier selection.
• Provide advice and guidance on the supplier transition process, maintaining continuity of service during the transition from one supplier to another, as well as on requirements for termination of existing contracts.

Job Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience and education in an applicable field
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience (strategic sourcing / procurement / category management / supply chain related)
• Strong analytical skills and experience developing and reporting on metrics and quantifiable savings
• Experience and proven ability to negotiate, administer and bring to fruition complex procurement activities and bidding processes
• Experience in supplier relationship management, including oversight of supplier performance and contract compliance
• Experience in contract creation, review and negotiation – preferably using a contract lifecycle management system
• Ability to assess organization’s needs, communicate those needs to the supplier community, and evaluate contracts to determine technical compliance
• Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex issues effectively and independently
• Ability to build relationships and develop internal and external partnerships
• This position requires a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion

Job Competencies:

• Must be able to communicate effectively with, and influence stakeholders
• Expenditure data analysis and reporting for large / complex business enterprises
• Experience facilitating RFP processes from development to contract negotiation and award
• Strong project management, time management, contraction negotiation, and customer service skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including strong presentation skills to communicate effectively with, and influence stakeholders.
• High level of computing proficiency in Google Suite and  Microsoft Office Tools (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work with database software (e.g., FilmakerPro, SmartSheets or custom database systems).
• Possess a functioning knowledge of Workday or other ERP systems, such as Jaggaer E Procurement.
• Critical thinking and attention to detail
• Ability to organize and prioritize work tasks to focus on critical success factors
• Ability to build relationships and provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to be a strong problem solver and influence change.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work well under pressure, manage, and prioritize multiple projects on tight deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to support a community of diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment

Please include a cover letter when submitting your application.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date:

2025-07-15

Job Posting Title:

Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager

Department:

Strategic Procurement and Contracts

Grade:

Grade 10

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid Eligible

 

Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

All positions require demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and other Brown and community stakeholders with diverse perspectives and demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive environment.

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

EEO Statement:

Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.

As an EEO employer, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.