Information Technology Procurement Director

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 107,351 - 166,394; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement programs

Paid tuition

Dependent scholarships

Annual leave

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Professional development

Job summary

The University of South Carolina seeks an experienced Information Technology Procurement Director to lead enterprise IT acquisitions, set strategy, and ensure compliant, high-value procurements across the university. You will advise executive leadership on risk, supplier engagement, and procurement outcomes.

This role requires a bachelor’s degree and 8 years of related experience, including management, with expertise in IT software, cloud services, and complex RFP processes.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field.
• At least 8 years of job related experience, including some prior management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development, and execution of procurement strategies for complex, high-value IT acquisitions.
• Direct cross-functional procurement initiatives ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and funding constraints.
• Oversee competitive solicitations (RFPs, IFBs, RFQs) and formal negotiations with vendors.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with the SC Consolidated Procurement Code, state regulations, and University policies.
• Advise IT leadership and stakeholders on procurement requirements, risk mitigation, and supplier engagement.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Strategic planning

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a job related field

Job description

Information Technology Procurement Director

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the \"Working at USC\" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Position Description

The IT Procurement Director serves as the senior procurement official responsible for leading and managing complex, high-value procurement activities for enterprise-wide technology initiatives. Provides strategic direction, oversight, and compliance assurance for competitive solicitations, contract negotiations, and acquisition strategies in accordance with the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code and University policies. Acts as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on procurement strategy, risk mitigation, and supplier engagement for mission-critical technology procurements.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and at least 8 years of job related experience, including some prior management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or public sector procurement.
• Professional certification such as CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, or equivalent.
• Experience with enterprise IT procurements, including software, cloud, and integrated systems.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-value procurements and formal solicitation processes (RFPs, IFBs).

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code and public procurement practices.
• Expertise in developing and managing complex solicitations and contracts.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of procurement strategies for complex, high-value IT acquisitions, including enterprise systems, cloud services, software licensing, and professional services.
• Direct cross-functional procurement initiatives ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, funding constraints, and long-term strategic goals.
• Provide leadership and expert guidance on procurement approaches, including competitive sealed bidding, competitive sealed proposals, and alternative procurement methods.
• Identify opportunities for strategic sourcing, cost savings, and process optimization across IT procurement categories.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 30

Competitive Solicitations & RFP Management

• Oversee the full lifecycle of formal solicitations, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs).
• Develop complex solicitation documents, scopes of work, evaluation criteria, and contractual requirements for high-risk or high-value procurements.
• Lead and advise evaluation committees, ensuring fair, transparent, and defensible evaluation processes.
• Direct negotiations with vendors to achieve best value outcomes, including pricing, service levels, and contractual protections.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 25

Procurement Governance, Compliance & Policy

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code, state regulations, and University policies.
• Provide authoritative guidance on procurement compliance, risk mitigation, and contract terms and conditions.
• Coordinate with General Counsel, Information Security, Audit, and Compliance offices to ensure appropriate review and approval of procurement actions.
• Maintain documentation and audit readiness for complex procurement activities.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 20

Stakeholder Advisory & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary procurement advisor to IT leadership, executive management, and departmental stakeholders on complex acquisitions.
• Facilitate early engagement with stakeholders to define procurement requirements, develop statements of work, and determine appropriate acquisition strategies.
• Provide education, training, and guidance to University personnel on procurement processes, policies, and best practices.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 15

Contract Negotiation & Vendor Management

• Lead negotiation of complex contracts, including enterprise agreements, SaaS contracts, and multi-year service agreements.
• Ensure contracts include appropriate risk mitigation provisions, performance metrics, and compliance requirements.
• Support strategic supplier management activities, including performance evaluation and issue resolution.
• Analyze vendor proposals to ensure alignment with organizational needs and value objectives.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 10

Position Attributes

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive: No

Hazardous weather category: Essential

Pay and Compensation

USC Market Range: MRM - $107,351 $136,872 $166,394

Anticipated Hiring Range: $107,351

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Hours per Week: 37.5

Work Schedule:

• Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Campus: Columbia

Work County: Richland

College/Division: Division of Administration and Finance

Department: DAF Purchasing and Central Supply

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies: 1

Desired Start Date: 08/16/2026

Job Open Date: 07/30/2026

Job Close Date: 09/13/2026

Open Until Filled: No

We are only accepting applications submitted by September 13, 2026.

About USC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.