Executive Director, Strategic Sourcing

Radford University; Radford, Northern (VA, KY); On-site; USD 105,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Radford University seeks an Executive Director of Strategic Sourcing to lead procurement strategy, contracting, and supplier relations in support of its financial and academic mission.

The role partners with Finance and executive leadership to optimize governance, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver value through strategic sourcing and contract management.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience leading large procurement organizations.
• Ability to interpret regulations and ensure compliance.
• Experience with IFBs, RFPs, RFQs.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Proven staff leadership and development.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement strategy and governance for Radford University.
• Oversee contracting, supplier relationship management, and procurement operations.
• Partner with Finance leadership to maximize value and ensure compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Procurement

Contracting

Regulatory knowledge

Data analytics

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Team leadership

Negotiation

Education

Advanced degree in public administration or related field

Tools

Procurement systems

Contract management tools

Job description

Title: Executive Director, Strategic Sourcing

Application Review Date:9/14/2026

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration this position serves as the University's Chief Procurement Officer and provides strategic leadership for the University's procurement, contracting, supplier relationship management, and procurement operations. The Director establishes and advances a comprehensive procurement strategy that promotes operational excellence, regulatory compliance, fiscal stewardship, innovation, and responsible stewardship of public funds while supporting the University's academic, research, and administrative mission. The position partners with the Controller, Finance leadership, and executive leadership to strengthen procurement governance, improve institutional processes, and maximize value through strategic sourcing and effective contract management.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and related professional experience.
• Progressively responsible leadership experience in large and diverse public or private sector procurement organization(s).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work with various levels of management and staff in a diverse environment.
• Experience administering complex procurement and contracting processes and interpreting applicable local, state, federal, and other regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to translate complex information into meaningful management reports, recommendations, and executive-level decision support.
• Experience evaluating and improving organizational operations and business processes, developing policy, and implementing strategic initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures.
• Experience supervising, coaching, mentoring, developing, and evaluating professional staff, including workload management, performance management, and succession planning.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Employee development and performance management skills.
• Experience monitoring contract compliance, supplier performance, and quality of goods and services.
• Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of public procurement, contract law, and risk management principles.
• Experience negotiating and administering complex contractual arrangements.
• Ability to analyze purchasing requests/orders for compliance with institutional procedures and state, federal, and other regulations.
• Experience developing and administering Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), and other competitive procurement methods in accordance with applicable laws and University policy.
• Knowledge of enterprise financial and procurement systems, reporting tools, data analytics, and advanced spreadsheet applications.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead multiple complex projects while managing competing priorities and meeting established deadlines.
• Must possess or obtain the certifications required to maintain delegated procurement authority under Commonwealth of Virginia and University requirements within two (2) years of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education institution procurement and contracting.
• Experience in Virginia public procurement.
• Professional certification such as VCCO, VCO, CPPO,CPPB,CPM,CPSM, or equivalent.
• Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in public or private sector procurement or contracting, including progressively responsible leadership and management experience.

Is this position Grant Funded:No

Is this position restricted:No

Is this position eligible for telework:No

Hours Per Week:40

Months per Year:12

Statement of Economic Interest Required:Yes

FLSA Status:Exempt

Work Classification:Administrative & Professional Faculty

Normal Work Schedule:Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. Evenings and weekends as needed. Flexible Schedule around core hours.

Employee Classification: Professional - Lecturer

Department: Procurement and Contracts

Salary:$105,400 - $140,000 Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Department Contact Name: Deana Sentman

Department Contact Phone:[phone]

Department Contact Email:[e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.