Senior Category Manager

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2021-12423
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Financial Services and Procurement

Princeton University

Overview

Princeton University’s Office of Finance and Treasury seeks an accomplished leader for the position of Senior Category Manager in the central Procurement Services function. This role requires an influential individual capable of driving transformational change across the Source-to-Pay lifecycle, while balancing the demanding and challenging requirements of a dynamic, world class education and research institution. While specific procurement category responsibilities will be defined, the ideal candidate will demonstrate versatility across a range of categories.

This Senior Category Manager is expected to deliver measurable value to the University, leading strategic sourcing projects for the most complex and impactful areas of spend and University need. Blending technical competency, a collaborative investigative approach, and the insights gained from rigorous analytics, they will synthesize multiple sources of information into compelling business cases and category plans. Partnering with a wide range of stakeholders, they will execute the plans through strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, and implementation of the selected suppliers across a diverse campus community.

In addition, to support a range of strategic initiatives, this position provides direction and guidance to procurement buyers and plays a key part in educating and supporting University partners on process efficiencies, system capabilities, and the value procurement provides across the Source-to-Pay lifecycle.

The Office of Finance & Treasury actively searches for staff members of exceptional ability and promise who share in Princeton University's commitment to excellence, and who present a diversity of viewpoints and cultures. We offer varied professional opportunities spanning all aspects of financial management, analysis, and processing in support of the teaching and research mission. As part of the University community, we respect the dignity and individuality of each member while trying to foster a sense of shared experience and common purpose. We are unwavering in our commitment to both diversity and community and embrace the variety of talents, backgrounds, and perspectives of all of our colleagues.

Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing

Develop compelling business cases to deliver long term value through the synthesis of analytics, stakeholder requirements, and market dynamics Lead and perform strategic sourcing activities using electronic RFx portalCollaborate with stakeholders to build demand management, specification, bundling, and other strategies into the value proposition while balancing social objectives such as diversity and sustainability.Lead the negotiations, contracting, and enablement of new supplier agreements.Educate campus stakeholders and create supplier agreements to ensure the user experience during the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process is optimized Meet regularly with campus constituents to identify savings and service opportunities, monitor contract compliance and facilitate the exchange of information to enhance the user experience and improve supplier performance.

Contract and Supplier Enablement

Develop a thorough understanding of user requirements in advance of the RFx to inform the change management and communications activities during project implementationEnsure the establishment of a hosted or punch-out catalog on the electronic Marketplace Ensure the desired portfolio of supplier catalogs and content are displayed to shoppersWork collaboratively with project managers, communications staff, technical administrators, and affected campus departments to ensure the successful launch of new, competitively awarded suppliers.

Procurement

Leverage skill and judgment to create, negotiate, and execute contracts necessary to achieve user objectives, minimize university risk, and promote supplier diversityEvaluate and resolve contractual issues for complex, high dollar purchases and to ensure process and policy compliance, value and risk optimization, and the achievement of University objectives including diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Leadership

As owner of the category, leverage internal and external data, market intelligence, and good strategic sourcing practices to deliver a balance between short term results with long term and strategic objectives Manage the contract portfolio within the category and collaborate as required for non-strategic contracts with the appropriate Buyer.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or 7-10 years of experience in strategic procurement including delivering value through category management
• Ability to collaborate with multiple departments and lead cross-functional teams
• Excellent communications skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to convert complex and conflicting needs into actionable requirements
• Advanced negotiation skills and demonstrated value contribution results
• Advanced knowledge of contracts and the ability to lead stakeholders to minimize the impact of contract terms and conditions
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Excellent analytical skills

Preferred Qualifications

• CPM or CPSM certification
• Experience working in a higher education environment
• Proficiency with electronic sourcing event tools
• Experience with the PeopleSoft purchasing application
• Experience with SciQuest eProcurement tools
• Experience managing compliance with internal and external policies/ requirements (e.g. Sponsored Research, Environmental\ Health and Safety, Tax Reporting)
• Experience utilizing SRM
• Experience managing data using MS Access, Cognos, or other reporting tools
• Experience managing staff
• Project management skills

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW.

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