Director of Procurement
About The Position
This is more than a procurement job—it’s an opportunity to build something. Trinity University is seeking an innovative, hands-on Director of Procurement to develop a modern procurement function from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic thinker and practical problem-solver who enjoys both designing the big picture and rolling up their sleeves to make it happen. The Director will create the foundation, processes, tools, and relationships needed to establish a strong procurement model as a pilot phase within Finance & Administration. With a successful foundation in place, the function is expected to expand its reach across the entire university. Working closely with colleagues in Finance & Administration, the Director will develop a comprehensive procurement strategy that balances financial stewardship, service excellence, compliance, and operational efficiency. The role will bring higher education procurement best practices to Trinity while tailoring them to the university's unique culture and needs. The successful candidate will build relationships, establish processes, identify opportunities for savings and efficiency, and create a procurement function that departments see as a valued partner rather than simply a gatekeeper. If you are energized by the opportunity to build, improve, influence, and lead, this is a chance to make a meaningful impact on how Trinity does business.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field
- 5-7 years of progressively responsible procurement, purchasing, sourcing, contract management, or supply chain experience.
- At least 2 years in a supervisory or management role
- In-depth knowledge of supply chain and procurement functions and procedures.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to clearly explain policies and procedures to a variety of audiences.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated ability to work proactively and drive process improvements.
- Capability to analyze problems, develop recommendations, and take appropriate action.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or similarly decentralized organizations
- Experience in Workday, eProcurement, or strategic sourcing software
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
Responsibilities
- Develops and maintains a comprehensive procurement strategy and framework to implement a centralized procurement function.
- Develops and maintains procurement and contracting policies; ensures compliance with policy, procedures, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
- Develops training materials and acts as a key resource for departments on purchasing policies, procedures, vendor selection, contract review, and contract management.
- Leads supplier relationship management; maintains an open line of communication and effective working relationship with existing and potential suppliers; performs supplier risk assessment, credit checks, and other due diligence as part of vendor review and selection process; manages consortium participation.
- Works closely with Risk Management on strategic sourcing; ensures alignment between contract development process and procurement.
- Performs audits of vendor contracts, purchasing card transactions, and vendor payments to ensure compliance with policy, contracts, budget, and regulatory requirements; identifies and reports exceptions.
- Works collaboratively with departments to identify cost savings via strategic sourcing, vendor consolidation, or competitive bidding; assists departments with obtaining the best value for the goods and services needed in support of the university’s mission.
- Provides support to departments during competitive bidding or RFP process to ensure compliance with university policy and relevant regulations.
- Performs outreach and customized training for departments not complying with institutional procurement policies; provides reference guides and checklists to support adherence to policies.
- Ensures vendor onboarding compliance (insurance certificates, conflict of interest disclosures, required certifications).
- Tracks and reports on key procurement metrics to support data-informed decision making; collects and analyzes purchasing data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Obtains professional development to stay current on relevant procurement laws, regulations, higher education sector best practices, and institutional risk exposures.
- Directs, coordinates, mentors, and evaluates employees.; carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with all policies and applicable laws.
- Maintains a commitment to service excellence in all interactions on behalf of the University.
- Cooperates and collaborates with other employees in the spirit of teamwork and collegiality and interacts with confidence, patience and integrity to provide professional leadership during emergencies.
- Complies with all Trinity University policies and guidelines.
- Performs other duties as required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
