The Associate Vice President of Procurement serves as a trusted campus leader to oversee the strategic direction and operational efficiency of purchasing programs and staff for the entire university system (Norman, Health Sciences Center, and Tulsa Campuses). This position is critical to ensuring strong departmental and community relationships leading to operational excellence in the purchasing department, resulting in cost control and savings university-wide. 

The Associate Vice President of Procurement represents the university in negotiations and awarding contracts with authority to obligate physical and financial resources. Scope includes development and execution of effective sourcing strategies, best value supplier selection, and delivery of procurement and strategic sourcing objectives including supplier quality, delivery, working capital improvements, and productivity/efficiency projects. The responsibility covers an annual spend of $450 million dollars and 8,000 purchase orders across three campuses.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, maintain, and execute purchasing strategy for the university that: includes standard procurement practices across all campuses where possible; supports the academic and research missions of the university; implements system-wide agreements to maximize hard and soft dollar savings where possible, and mitigates non-compliant procurement activities. Establish short- and long-term goals, objectives for satisfying goals, and key performance indicators for all levels of procurement activities and other metrics that indicate progress toward goal satisfaction.
• Promote exceptional customer service by maintaining an active dialogue with departments regarding purchasing policies and procedures, providing training to keep departments current in all aspects of procurement operations, and soliciting feedback from customers regarding Procurement Services’ existing services. 
• Maintain the highest level of customer satisfaction by enhancing the range and quality of procurement services to university departments; researching and implementing new, robust information technologies to automate and expedite purchasing and warehousing procedures.
• Develop strong, positive relationships with academic and administrative units to improve the procurement process and reduce the administrative burden surrounding procurement.
• Maintain a records and property management program in accordance with Oklahoma Law, Board of Regents’ Policy, and standard business practices.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability through coordination and preparation of the annual departmental budget, authorize the expenditure of funds, and exercise fiscal management for areas under direct supervision.
• Lead and develop a staff of thirty employees, including administrators, attorneys, buyers, and support staff that support the Norman, Health Sciences Center, and Tulsa Campuses.
• Submit timely, accurate, easy-to-understand documents and reports to the Board of Regents throughout the year.

Professional Qualifications:

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or related field.
• 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in a large private company, the public sector, or university purchasing and contracting environment with at least three years of management or supervisory experience within the procurement department is required. 
• 3-5 years of experience in contract management and negotiation.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in business administration, accounting, supply chain management, or related field preferred.
• CPO (certified procurement officer) or CPSM (certified professional in supply management) preferred.
• Experience with PeopleSoft, SciQuest/Jaggaer, and/or other university financial systems preferred.
• Substantial experience in a large, public contract management is highly desirable.
• Specific experience in purchasing system administration is desirable.

SALARY RANGE:  Commensurate, based on experience.

Qualified applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae and a list of at least three references. 

By submitting my application, I certify that all information provided in support of my application for employment is true, correct and does not misrepresent my history or qualifications. I hereby authorize and give my consent to the University to confirm all such information and waive my right to privacy thereto to the extent required to verify relevant background and ability to perform all job-related functions. My consent specifically includes, but is not limited to, my prior job function, work performance, education, criminal record and other job-related issues. I understand that willful falsification or misrepresentation constitutes grounds for denying employment or for dismissal therefrom. If hired by the University, I agree to comply with its employment policies, rules, and regulations.

Additional inquiries should be directed to Solade Rowe at [email protected]