Strategic Sourcing Manager

Details•Troy, NY

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Strategic Sourcing Manager (SSM) supports institutional procurement goals by applying sourcing expertise, data-driven analysis, and strong supplier engagement to deliver value across assigned commodity areas. The SSM identified opportunities for improved supplier performance, cost savings, and operational efficiency while ensuring campus end users receive high-quality, value-added goods and services. This role contributes to cross-functional procurement projects, supports campus stakeholders, and maintains high standards for compliance in purchasing practices. Who we are: Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎ Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain, Accounting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of five (5) years of relevant procurement or strategic sourcing experience
Strong understanding of sourcing principles and contract negotiation
Effective interpersonal, planning, and communication skills
Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations
Commitment to continuous learning, supplier diversity, and sustainability

Nice To Haves

Higher education or public sector experience preferred
Familiarity with Jaggaer or other e-Procurement platforms preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with campus needs and institutional goals.
Promote and support initiatives that drive cost savings, supplier performance, and end-user satisfaction.
Analyze spend data and commodity trends using e-Procurement tools and market research.
Plan and execute competitive sourcing events (RFPs, RFIs, etc.) to ensure access to high-value goods and services.
Maintain accurate and timely status updates for active sourcing projects and contract renewals.
Contribute to supplier evaluations and support supplier performance improvement initiatives.
Participate in contract negotiation and lifecycle management under the guidance of senior team members.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, and departments to assess specifications, manage risk, and ensure effective sourcing decisions in line with Institute standards.
Deliver stakeholder education and outreach on sourcing procedures, tools, and compliance topics.
Monitor campus purchasing activities for compliance with Institute policies and supplier contracts.
Address Institute concerns with non-compliance with appropriate levels of management.
Partner with FAST staff to maintain relevant supplier catalogs and e-Procurement functionality.
Support sustainable and inclusive procurement practices through diverse and environmentally preferred supplier engagement when possible.