Category Manager - Construction Sourcing (Hybrid Schedule)

Columbia University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University is seeking a Category Manager to source goods and services for construction needs, reporting to the Director, Construction Sourcing.

The role develops category strategies, negotiates with suppliers, and supports RFPs and vendor performance, ensuring quality, cost, and compliance across university purchasing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent with at least three years' purchasing experience.
• Understanding of Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) laws and regs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to prepare reports and analyses.
• Strong data collection and analytical capabilities with good organization.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Process requisitions and contracts up to $35,000, ensuring full compliance.
• Advise customers on sources of supply and conduct bid solicitations, analyses, evaluations.
• Negotiate delivery schedules and terms to optimize price and value.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to develop and evaluate RFPs and negotiations.
• Generate reports and analyze procurement data to support goals.
• Develop materials supporting contracting processes (guides, training, forms).
• Stay informed on costs, pricing trends to minimize purchasing costs.
• Maintain procurement tools and tracking mechanisms.
• Represent Purchasing at customer and supplier meetings.
• Perform other duties and special projects.

Skills

Negotiation

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Detail-oriented

Team collaboration

Customer service mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Studebaker
• Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, Construction Sourcing, the Category Manager is responsible for sourcing goods and services to meet the University's construction sourcing needs.

The Category Manager is responsible for assisting in developing the category sourcing strategy to identify, evaluate, select, and contract with suppliers that meet the University's requirements for quality, cost, performance, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Processes requisitions and contracts of up to $35,000, ensuring complete and accurate documents are submitted and fully compliant with university purchasing policies and other applicable regulations.
• Provides recommendations to customers regarding sources of supply, and performs bid solicitations, analyses, and evaluations.
• Negotiates optimum delivery schedules and ensures the best combination of price, quantity discounts, product quality, standard terms and conditions, and, where appropriate, supports the establishment of long-term agreements.
• Participates in cross-functional teams to understand University-wide needs, and helps to develop, select, award, negotiate, and implement UwPA's, including providing support with writing and evaluating Requests for Proposal (RFP's) and the subsequent negotiations; coordinates business reviews, reviews spend reports, and provides updates on vendor performance.
• Performs data gathering, analyses, and reporting to support University Purchasing goals and objectives.
• Develops and delivers reports and presentation materials. Analyzes systemic and economic supply and demand signals to determine appropriate procurement strategies.
• Assists in developing and refining related materials supporting the contracting process (i.e., user guides, on-site training, forms, etc.).
• Keeps informed on cost of goods, pricing trends, and other related matters to ensure minimal costs when purchasing items for the University.
• Assists in the maintenance and updating of various procurement tools and tracking mechanisms.
• Represents the Purchasing team at customer and supplier meetings.

Performs other related duties and special projects, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or the equivalent, plus a minimum of three years' related purchasing experience, including experience with automated purchasing systems.
• Must have a general understanding of the laws, rules, and regulations related to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as a demonstrated ability to prepare reports, summaries, and analyses and present findings and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to collect and analyze data and evaluate information as required.
• Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills and have the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be a self-starter with exceptional attention to detail and follow-up skills, capable of operating with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including active listening skills.
• Ability to work closely and effectively with a diverse group of university administrators, characterized by strong consensus-building and relationship-building skills, is essential.
• Must be able to negotiate issues and resolve problems.
• In addition, the successful candidate must be able to work well with all levels of management, both internally and externally, and be flexible with sound judgment.
• Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in construction sourcing is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.