Procurement & Risk Manager

Bowdoin College; Brunswick (ME); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowdoin College is seeking a Procurement & Risk Manager to oversee property and casualty insurance programs and lead College-wide procurement initiatives. The role advises the SVP for Finance and Administration and partners across the institution to strengthen risk controls and improve purchasing practices.

The position coordinates with brokers, insurers, vendors, counsel, and internal stakeholders to deliver measurable value, manage exposure, and enhance service levels while maintaining

Qualifications

• Analyze claims and exposure data to identify loss drivers.
• Create and manage insurance budgets and cost reporting (premiums, retained losses, and related expenses).
• Interpret technical documents or regulations and determine applicability for compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee annual applications for insurance and renewal applications.
• Coordinate risk management training sessions campus-wide.
• Collaborate with General Counsel to ensure all contract requirements are met.
• Negotiate pricing, discounts, and terms with vendors while balancing service and risk controls.
• Establish bidding processes for potential vendors and evaluate vendor credit history.
• Support student health insurance procurement and claims administration.

Skills

Risk analysis

Vendor management

Negotiation

Data interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Risk Management, or related field

Job description

The Procurement & Risk Manager is responsible for managing the College’s property and casualty insurance programs to protect Bowdoin from operating and financial risks, and for providing strategic direction and implementing programs and processes related to College-wide procurement of goods and services. This role serves as a key advisor to the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, partnering across the institution to strengthen risk controls, improve purchasing practices, and support efficient, compliant operations. The position coordinates with internal stakeholders and external partners—including brokers, insurers, vendors, and counsel—to deliver measurable value, manage exposure, and enhance service levels.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Oversee the annual applications for insurance and renewal applications, conduct analysis to identify major causes and sources of risk losses and develop recommendations for strategic actions.
• Provide assistance and support to Student Affairs regarding the procurement of student health insurance, sports/clubs/intermural insurance, and student health claims administration.
• Establish bidding processes for potential vendors and negotiate prices and discounts, maintain relationships with vendors, provide estimates, and evaluate vendor credit history to ensure financial viability.
• Oversee the coordination of providing information to claimants, College representatives, adjusters, attorneys and insurance companies.
• Coordinate and conduct campus-wide risk management training sessions, guidelines, and procedures for all employees.
• Collaborate with General Counsel to ensure that all legal contract requirements are met.

Education/Skills Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Risk Management, or related field required. Insurance certification preferred.

Must have the ability to:

• Analyze claims and exposure data to identify loss drivers, assess risk trends, and develop practical risk mitigation recommendations.
• Create and manage insurance budgets and producing cost-of-risk reporting (premiums, retained losses, outside services, and related expenses).
• Interpret technical documents or regulations and then determine applicability and steps associated with achieving compliance
• Negotiate pricing, discounts, and contract terms with suppliers and service providers, while balancing service, value, and risk controls.
• Provide insight, guidance, advice, and leadership necessary to ensure safety of the campus and its students, faculty, and staff.
• Work independently and be self-motivated.

Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents

5 to 7 years experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position; 7+ years preferred. Experience working in an education setting also preferred.

• Knowledge of claims administration and coordination practices, including effective communication with claimants, adjusters, insurers, attorneys, and internal stakeholders.
• Skilled in vendor due diligence, including assessing vendor financial stability/credit risk and documenting risk-based recommendations.

Standard administrative hours are 8:30am - 5:00pm. This is a full-time position working 40 hours/52 weeks, (1.00 FTE). Exempt positions require the time commitment necessary to complete the essential duties of the position.