Procurement Manager

DePaul University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

8% retirement plan matching

Tuition waivers for employees and/or n

Generous paid time off

Job summary

DePaul University in Chicago seeks a Procurement Manager to lead the university's procurement function, manage vendor relationships, and partner with senior leadership to ensure competitive, fair, and compliant purchasing across the institution.

The role supervises 2–3 procurement professionals and collaborates with stakeholders across the university to optimize spend and risk mitigation, while leveraging ERP systems and supplier portals to drive efficiencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in procurement, purchasing, strategic sourcing, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or managerial experience, including direct responsibility for staff performance and development.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement and supplier portal tools.
• Prior experience in a higher education, nonprofit, or similar institutional environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Procurement process management: oversee staff, controls, compliance, review purchase requisitions, ensure competitive and compliant procurement.
• Bid and Contract Facilitation: support RFPs, RFQs, ITBs; collaborate in Procure-to-Pay, contract negotiations, vendor relationship management.
• Process Improvement & Technology: stay current with procurement tech; manage ERP configuration, supplier catalogs, and e-procurement tools.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder collaboration

Risk assessment

Communication

Team management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement portal tools

Job description

Reporting to the Treasurer, the Procurement Manager is responsible for supervising the university’s procurement function and managing vendor and supplier relationships. The Procurement Manager will partner with senior leadership to maintain and enhance effective procurement controls, policies, and procedures that ensure competitive, fair, and compliant purchasing across the institution.

This position manages a team of 2-3 procurement professionals.

What You’ll Do:

1. Procurement process management

• Manage day-to-day procurement operations, including oversight of staff, controls and compliance.
• Review and approve purchase requisitions.
• Ensure procurement activities are carried out in a competitive, fair, and compliant environment.
• Review overall University spending for potential efficiencies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the university, including leadership, faculty, staff, and external vendors.

2. Bid and Contract Facilitation

• Support competitive bidding processes (RFPs, RFQs, and ITBs) and maintain visibility into the university's bid pipeline.
• Partner with Accounts Payable, General Counsel, and other stakeholders in Procure-to-Pay processes, contract negotiations, and vendor relationship management.
• Ensure contracts and agreements align with university risk tolerance, legal requirements, and compliance standards.

3. Process Improvement & Technology

• Remain current with procurement technologies and tools to identify potential opportunities for process improvements.
• Manage procurement system configuration, supplier catalogs, and related e-procurement tools within the university's ERP environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in procurement, purchasing, strategic sourcing, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or managerial experience, including direct responsibility for staff performance and development.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement and supplier portal tools.
• Prior experience in a higher education, nonprofit, or similar institutional environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and sound judgment and discretion in the sharing of sensitive information.
• Experience with identification, documentation, and assessment of risks and controls in financial and operational processes.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of constituents at all levels throughout the university, and the ability to work independently as well as manage and lead others.
• Working for a stable and well-known University.
• Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement plan matching contribution of 8%.
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more!

Vincentian Mission:

Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences are welcome and supported.

Required Background Check:

Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check. Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check.

DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.