Chief Procurement Officer and Executive Director

University of California - Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Irvine seeks a senior procurement leader to guide a 25-person team, oversee budgets, and drive strategic sourcing initiatives. You will establish objectives, develop processes, and provide executive counsel on complex procurement matters.

The role requires a deep understanding of purchasing practices, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage staff performance and development in a fast-paced academic environment.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the purchasing function and purchasing objectives.
• Ability to lead department, manage staff performance and development, team building and communications.
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate with vendors and gain cooperation of others.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• 10+ years in a related field.
• Professional certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 25 procurement professionals and manage an annual budget.
• Establish objectives and develop processes to meet goals.
• Provide leadership to execute procurement programs and oversee strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Review and approve high dollar Purchase Orders and contracts.
• Counsel UC Irvine executive management on procurement matters.
• Manage recruitment, evaluation, training, mentoring and staff development.

Skills

Purchasing leadership

Vendor negotiation

Strong communication

Staff management

Strategic sourcing

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area or equivalent experience

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

Lead a team of 25 highly skilled professionals that have expertise in various aspects of procurement including sourcing, contracting, procurement card programs, asset management, strategic initiatives, and project management. Manage an annual budget and team of procurement professionals.

Your Role on the Team

Establishes objectives and goals for the procurement department, develops processes by which to meet goals. Plans activities related to the procurement function in order to meet assigned objectives. Exercises judgment within defined policies to determine appropriate action. Uses professional concepts and organizational guidelines to resolve more complex procurement issues. Provides leadership to effectively execute campus procurement programs. Provides management oversight and strategic input to strategic sourcing initiatives, contracts and agreements, equipment life cycle management from acquisition, inventory control, to disposal of surplus property, procurement card program, strategic initiatives such as sustainability and small business program. Reviews and executes Purchasing Agreements, Sales & Service Agreements, Sponsorship Agreements, and other appropriate agreements. Reviews and approves high dollar Purchase Orders. Develops and support UC's broad procurement initiatives, as appropriate.

Provides counsel to UCI executive management, division senior leaders, Office of General Counsel, and other UC Office of the President executives as requested on various matters. Oversees personnel matters including recruitment, evaluation, training, mentoring, development, and discipline of staff. Manages the budget in order to maximize resources and remain fiscally solvent in uncertain budgetary times. Creates a respectful environment that embraces the University's principles of community.

What It Takes to be Successful

Required:

• Thorough knowledge of the purchasing function with broad understanding of purchasing objectives and initiatives.
• Skills associated with directing a purchasing function ensuring adherence to purchasing practices and guidelines.
• Demonstrated strong and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Management skills required to lead department, including management of staff performance and development, team building and communications, resolution of issues and conflicts, review and approval of work, and hiring and training employees. Develop long term strategies
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills required in interacting with both internal and external resources.
• Ability to negotiate with vendors and gain cooperation of others.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• 10+ yearsin a related field

Preferred:

• Professional certification preferred.

Total Rewards

Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Employment Misconduct*
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

• California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• E-Verify
• Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Closing Statement:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship

Must be able to provide proof of work authorization