Deputy Director, Procurement

Northeastern Illinois University; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision benefits

State of Illinois benefits

CMS benefits program

Job summary

Northeastern Illinois University is seeking a Deputy Director of Procurement to lead the university's procurement operations at the main campus in Chicago. The role drives strategic sourcing, contract administration, and supplier relationships while ensuring compliance with the Procurement Code of Illinois and university policies.

Responsibilities include managing day-to-day activities, mentoring staff, and supporting the Workday ERP implementation.

Qualifications

• Eleven (11) years of progressively responsible management work experience in a private or governmental organization; eight (8) years in the area of designated specialization; three (3) years supervising professional staff or process within the designated specialization.
• Bachelor’s degree may be substituted for the above three years non-specialized experience.
• Master’s degree may be substituted for one (1) year specialized work experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day procurement operations, including competitive sourcing, purchase requisitions, supplier onboarding and contract execution.
• Supervise and mentor procurement staff, ensuring consistent application of policies and best practices.
• Assist in developing, implementing and maintaining procurement policies, procedures, and systems.
• Serve as acting director in the absence of the Director of Procurement.
• Lead strategic-sourcing initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supplier performance.
• Partner with departments to analyze spend data and develop purchasing strategies aligned with university objectives.
• Oversee supplier qualification, onboarding, and performance evaluation processes.
• Promote supplier diversity and the use of BEP-certified minority vendors.
• Ensure purchase requests are consistent with budgets and funding.
• Review all contracts and certifications for filing with the State Comptroller.
• Support the Workday Implementation process and optimization of the Workday ERP system.
• Provide guidance and training to university departments on procurement best practices, compliance and contract management.
• Oversee and manage the university’s Corporate P-Card Program.
• Review all federally funded contracts and intergovernmental agreements.
• Ensure purchasing is consistent and compliant with specific terms.

Skills

Leadership

Procurement management

Policy compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree required

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Workday ERP

Job description

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.

Job Summary

This position supports the strategic and operational management of the university’s procurement and contracting functions. This role ensures that all purchasing activities comply with the Procurement Code of Illinois, Regulations of the Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees, and University policies and procedures related to transactions, contracts, and purchases. The Deputy Director, Procurement will also oversee contract administration, supplier relationships, and staff development to advance the institution's procurement goals.

Job Description

Manage day-to-day procurement operations, including competitive sourcing, purchase requisitions, supplier onboarding and contract execution. Supervise and mentor procurement staff, ensuring consistent application of policies and best practices. Assist in developing, implementing and maintaining procurement policies, procedures, and systems. Serve as acting director in the absence of the Director of Procurement. Lead strategic-sourcing initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supplier performance. Partner with departments to analyze spend data and develop purchasing strategies aligned with university objectives. Oversee supplier qualification, onboarding, and performance evaluation processes. Promote supplier diversity and the use of BEP-certified minority vendors. Ensure purchase requests are consistent with budgets and funding. Review all contracts and certifications for filing with the State Comptroller. Promotes the use of BEP-certified minority vendors. Support the Workday Implementation process and optimization of the Workday ERP system. Provide guidance and training to university departments on procurement best practices, compliance and contract management. Oversee and manage the university’s Corporate P-Card Program. Review all federally funded contracts and intergovernmental agreements. Ensure purchasing is consistent and compliant with specific terms. Review contracts as needed and annually for renewal purposes. This involves meeting with Unit heads/Deans as required. Build collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, external vendors and consortium partners. Represent Procurement on university committees and initiatives. Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimal Qualifications

1. Eleven (11) years of progressively responsible management work experience in a private or governmental organization: A. Eight (8) years in the area of designated specialization required by the position AND B. Three (3) years supervising the work of a professional staff or process within the designated specialization Bachelor’s degree may be substituted for the above three (3) years non-specialized experience requirement Master’s degree may be substituted for one (1) year specialized work experience

Departmental Preferences

Undergraduate degree in business or related field. Three (3) years of supervisory experience. One (1) to three (3) years of experience working with all levels of an organization. Knowledge of the Illinois Procurement Code and/or experience with a public university. Experience in implementing and using Workday Finance ERP System. Familiar with joint purchasing cooperatives (IPHEC or E&I). CPPB preferred but not required.

Typical Working Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Hours may vary depending on departmental needs).

Location

NEIU Main Campus (5500 North St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625)

Setting

In-office, not eligible for hybrid or remote work. This position requires a background check.

Salary Range

$75,000 - $83,000

Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals.

Other Campus Information

Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation. Northeastern Illinois University's Main Campus is located on 67 acres in a residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago. The University has three additional locations in the metropolitan area: the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, El Centro and the Center for College Access and Success. Northeastern also is a founding member of the University Center of Lake County consortium campus in suburban Lake County, north of Chicago. Northeastern offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure and endorsement programs.