Procurement Category Manager

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position will develop and lead the execution of The University of Texas at Austin’s Procurement and Payment Services spend in the Maintenance, Repairs and Operations (MRO) category management strategies. The incumbent will analyze market intelligence and interpret spend data for the identification and development of new contract opportunities, including improving existing university-wide contracts. This may include shared opportunities with other universities as deemed in the best interests of The University of Texas at Austin. The MRO Category Manager will interface with leadership and key stakeholders to understand and align business strategy, market dynamics, supplier capabilities, and spend analytics to develop robust category plans for a highly distributed, multi-faceted environment. Success in this position will be dependent upon facilitating collaborative client department relationships, maintaining subject matter expertise in the assigned category, managing university-wide contracts and supplier relations, and meeting Procurement and Payment Services’ annual department and category goals. Your skills will make a difference. You’ll be working for a university that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. Your work will make a difference in the lives of UT staff, thereby enhancing the student experience. If you’re the type of person that wants to know your work has meaning and impact, you’ll like working in our department and for UT Austin. As procurement category manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing high value category management strategies that balances stakeholder, transaction, and supplier relationship management to unlock greatest value for The University of Texas at Austin. You will establish category goals and utilize spend tools for measuring progress against those goals and oversee the execution of the category plan.

Requirements

Bachelor's required, preferably in Business, or appropriate discipline.
At least 5 year’s procurement experience leading qualitative selection process for Request for Proposals, Request for Qualifications, Request for Information (RFP/Q/I) and leading selection and evaluation committees.
Minimum of one (1) professional purchasing certification must be attained within twelve months of appointment to the position: Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) Certified Texas Procurement Manager (CTPM) Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) Certified Professional Public Buyer (UPPCC-CPPB) Certified Public Purchasing Officer (UPPCC-CPPO) Certified Professional in Supply Management (ISM-CPSM) Certified Purchasing Manager (ISM-CPM)
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

MBA, or advanced degree in related discipline
2-3 years related work in higher education, CPPO, C.P.M., or CPSM, certification
Knowledge of automated procurement systems including Jaggaer and Bonfire
Knowledge of Texas Education Code, Federal Regulations [e.g. Uniform Guidance]
3+ year’s leading spend category in Information Technology (IT) Hardware, Software & Services.
3+ years’ experience in analyzing and modeling spend data.
3+ years’ experience with contract negotiations.

Responsibilities

Benchmark contract pricing to determine the best source of supply, complying with laws and regulations.
Provide reports for contract cost savings, goals and metrics.
Identify new sources of supply based on spend analysis and engage new suppliers focusing on customer needs.
Work with campus departments to drive spend to suppliers under contract using scorecard analysis.
Collaborate with representatives from across the university to administer sourcing activities to establish detailed requirements for complex, competitive procurements.
Select appropriate procurement method based on departmental needs, lead-time, market conditions and regulations.
Obtain/maintain sufficient understanding of technical subject matter.
Use formal and informal solicitation methods, conduct Best and Final offers when appropriate.
Issue purchase orders.
Is responsible for Supplier Relationship and Portfolio Management which includes: working collaboratively with suppliers to identify and execute continuous cost and performance improvement strategies, identifying and resolving key supplier performance issues to ensure customer satisfaction, engaging with new suppliers, conducting spend analysis, determining special factors, risk analysis and developing strategies.
Leads quarterly business reviews with key suppliers.
Maintain paperless file documentation online and in procurement tools, organizing and maintaining documentation pertinent to audit reviews, contract renewals, terminations and performance, solicitation protests and disputes, and supplier due dates
Work in a collaborative team environment, build consensus and lead multi-party negotiations.
Act in a consultative role with departments by determining how Procurement and Payment Services can best support in achieving the department's goals by understanding their unique procurement needs, and developing sourcing plans and strategies that best meet those needs.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
Tuition assistance
Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card