Executive Director, Procurement Services

University of Memphis•Memphis, TN

About The Position

The Executive Director of Procurement Services provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and executive-level direction for the University’s procurement, sourcing, contracting, and supplier management functions. Serving as a key advisor to the COO/CFO, this position ensures the University’s procurement and contract administration practices align with institutional priorities, financial stewardship objectives, regulatory compliance requirements, and operational excellence standards within a complex higher education environment. The Executive Director leads the development and implementation of strategic procurement initiatives, enterprise-wide sourcing strategies, contract governance, a broad range of supplier initiatives, and procurement technologies that support the University’s academic, research, and administrative mission. The role collaborates extensively with executive leadership, legal counsel, academic and administrative units, governmental entities, and external business partners to mitigate institutional risk, optimize financial resources, and strengthen operational effectiveness.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, contract administration, or business operations.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree and/or related certification preferred

Responsibilities

Provides executive leadership for all procurement, sourcing, contracting, supplier management, and surplus property operations across the University.
Develops and implements long-range strategic procurement initiatives that align with institutional goals, operational priorities, and financial objectives.
Advises the COO/CFO and campus partners on procurement strategy, contract risk, regulatory matters, market trends, operational efficiencies, and best practices in higher education procurement.
Leads change management efforts related to procurement modernization, process redesign, and technology enhancements.
Exercises delegated signature authority on behalf of the University for expenditure and revenue contracts in accordance with University policies and applicable laws.
Directs the development, negotiation, review, and administration of complex contractual agreements to ensure legal sufficiency, operational effectiveness, and risk mitigation.
Collaborates with University legal counsel, executive leadership, and external stakeholders on contractual, regulatory, and compliance matters.
Ensures procurement and contracting activities comply with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and audit standards.
Provides executive oversight of the University’s eProcurement and financial systems, including system integration, optimization, upgrades, and operational governance.
Leads enterprise procurement technology initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reporting capabilities, internal controls, and user experience.
Partners with Finance, Information Technology, and other campus stakeholders to ensure system integrity, data accuracy, security, and process effectiveness.
Leads the University’s supplier strategy and ensures a broad supplier pool is actively included in procurement opportunities across all sourcing categories.
Develops strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier engagement programs that promote competition, cost effectiveness, innovation, and community impact.
Monitors and evaluates supplier performance, contract utilization, and procurement trends to support informed decision-making and institutional objectives.
Develops and administers the departmental operating budget and forecasts future resource requirements to support institutional growth and operational demands.
Oversees preparation and presentation of executive-level procurement, contract, compliance, and operational reports for University leadership, governing bodies, and external agencies.
Analyzes procurement data, expenditures, and operational trends to identify opportunities for strategic savings and process improvements.
Provides leadership, supervision, and professional development for procurement and contract services personnel.
Fosters a culture of accountability, customer service, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
Establishes departmental goals, evaluates staff performance, and supports succession planning and workforce development initiatives.
Leads the development and implementation of procurement policies, procedures, and training programs for University personnel and external partners.
Serves as a primary institutional resource regarding procurement regulations, contracting standards, purchasing card administration, and procurement best practices.
Represents the University on institutional committees, professional organizations, and external partnerships related to procurement and operational services.
Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned by the COO/CFO.