Category Buyer

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience. The Department of Procurement and Contracts provides CPS schools with the best options for purchasing the highest quality goods and services at the best price. The team works with schools, departments, vendors, and business stakeholders to provide goods and services of the highest quality and value for the district. We are dedicated to meeting our goal through competitive pricing while adhering to relevant laws, Board of Education rules, policies, and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, required
Minimum of two (2) years of related professional experience required, preferably in procurement in a large, complex organization
Previous experience with the solicitation (RFX) process
Previous experience with negotiations
Advanced Microsoft Office (proficiency in Excel required)
Strong analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills
Action oriented, well organized
Strong verbal and written communication skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with multiple departments, managers of the organization, and external entities (vendors)
Negotiation and influencing skills

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain or related field, preferred
Oracle experienced preferred

Responsibilities

Executes category strategy developed by Category Manager in alignment with Procurement Office and district priorities
Works with clients to develop the sourcing plan; manages the process and provides advice to senior management on procurement type, appropriate contract length, and bundling opportunities
Coordinates the sourcing process, implementing a tactical approach to sourcing in order to obtain the best value for money and leads negotiations for renewals and less complex RFPs / RFQs
Analyzes final responses from potential vendors and provides recommendations based on cost/cash/quality and strategic fit criteria
Coordinates vendor sourcing and contractual agreement process ensuring that all agreements are aligned with district policy and practices, including all required approvals
Assesses and manages supplier performance for continuous improvement by leading supplier meetings, developing reports, and reviewing vendor performance to identify areas of opportunity, determine action items, and provide feedback.
Develops collaboration with the vendor to drive cost saving through operational improvements in the supply chain.
Evaluates supplier selection by verifying capabilities, cost, quality, and overall strategic fit for CPS.
Other duties as assigned