Director of Strategic Sourcing (Project Management)

The University of Oklahoma seeks an experienced and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Strategic Sourcing, overseeing procurement, sourcing, and contracting activities. This position plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and university policies while optimizing value through effective sourcing strategies. As the Director, you will lead a skilled team in managing solicitations, vendor negotiations, contract development, and supplier performance. Your leadership will support the university's academic, research, and administrative goals by driving efficiency, cost savings, and risk mitigation in procurement operations. This role offers an opportunity to implement innovative sourcing solutions, foster strong partnerships across departments, and enhance procurement systems to maximize transparency and operational effectiveness. If you have a strong background in procurement management and strategic sourcing within regulated industries, we invite you to apply and contribute to the University's commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing and optimize procurement processes.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of solicitations, contracts, RFPs, RFQs, negotiations, execution, renewals, and compliance monitoring.
• Ensure all procurement and contracting activities comply with state and federal regulations, university policies, and public procurement standards.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative departments to understand needs and deliver effective sourcing solutions.
• Oversee supplier compliance, including conducting performance reviews, assessing risk exposure, and identifying opportunities for process and performance optimization.
• Manage and mentor a team of procurement and contract professionals.
• Utilize procurement systems and data analytics to drive efficiency, economies of scale contracts, and transparency.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Education:  Bachelors degree, AND: 

• Seven years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or contract management in a regulated industry (e.g., government, higher education, healthcare, public sector, or utilities)

Equivalency/Substitution: Experience or a combination of education related experience can be considered in lieu of degree. A one-to-one ratio is used to determine the number of years of experience required in place of a degree.

Skills:

• In-depth understanding of procurement principles, public sector sourcing strategies, and relevant laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Knowledge of contract development, negotiation, risk assessment, and compliance.
• Strong grasp of budgeting principles, cost controls, and lifecycle costing in procurement planning and execution.
• Ability to lead, develop, and motivate cross-functional teams, manage performance, and foster a collaborative environment.
• Excellent negotiation, persuasion, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage vendors and stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including data interpretation, benchmarking, and performance metrics.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and delivering results.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel (pivot tables, data analysis), Word, PowerPoint presentations, and Outlook 

Certifications:

• None 

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Operates in a professional office environment and
• Routinely uses standard office equipment. 
• Occasional travel may be required for vendor meetings, conferences, or training.

Departmental Preferences:

• Masters degree or professional certification.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle, SAP).
• Experience with procurement or sourcing platforms (e.g., Jaggaer, Ariba, Coupa).
• Familiarity with higher education procurement environments.
• Prior leadership and team management experience.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.