Sourcing Manager, Research & Sciences

E&I Cooperative Service, Inc.; Mission (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A national educational cooperative is looking for a Sourcing Manager in Research & Sciences who will lead strategic sourcing initiatives and manage contracts to maximize member satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of procurement experience and strong analytical skills. This role is remote with some national travel. Join a dynamic team and contribute to impactful educational partnerships while navigating complex supplier environments.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of progressive procurement experience required.
• Professional certifications (C.P.S.M, C.P.M, CPPO) preferred.
• Strong research and analytical skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across assigned portfolio.
• Manage supplier relationships and contract performance.
• Participate in strategic projects and program management.

Skills

Procurement experience

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Contract negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

MS Office

e-procurement systems

Job description

Overview

CURRENTJOB POSTING, SOURCING MANAGER, RESEARCH & SCIENCES – LOCATION: REMOTE

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Who We Are

At E&I Cooperative Services, we are transforming how universities and schools buy the goods and services they need to operate and thrive. By leveraging the power of cooperative purchasing, we help our 6,000+ member educational institutions save time, contain costs, and redirect critical resources to their core mission of education and research. With over 90 years of experience and a trusted brand, we now operate like a high-growth startup—launching innovative technology, data, and service solutions to meet the evolving needs of the education sector.

The Sourcing Manager, Research & Sciences, plays a critical role in delivering value to our members by leading strategic sourcing initiatives across an assigned portfolio. This position manages the full sourcing lifecycle—from RFx development and supplier negotiation to contract adoption and ongoing performance management—ensuring compliant, high-value contracts that drive strong member satisfaction and adoption.

Are you energized by leading complex sourcing initiatives that support research, laboratory, and scientific environments, partnering with stakeholders, navigating sophisticated supplier markets, and ensuring compliant contracts that truly enable innovation across higher education? If so, we’d love for you to join our growing team.

What Makes E&I Unique

• Mission-Driven Impact: At E&I, your work directly supports the success of educational institutions nationwide, from universities to K-12 schools.
• Growth Culture: We are passionate about the power of culture to create conditions for excellence. We invest in the personal and professional development of every member of our team.
• The Best of All Worlds: We’re ninety years old but act like a startup. We’re a non-profit cooperative with a high-growth enterprise mindset. We work hard—and play hard. We reward bold ideas and big swings. We combine tradition with innovation, passion with purpose, and ambition with heart.

What You Will Do

The Sourcing Manager, Research & Sciences, executes the contract roadmap set by the Vice President, Category Management. This role leads the strategic sourcing process—RFx development, solicitation management, negotiation, contract adoption, and proactive Contract Lifecycle Management—to maximize member satisfaction and deliver best value across an assigned portfolio. Additionally, the Sourcing Manager oversees ongoing contract performance, supplier relationships, compliance, and continuous improvement to ensure high-value contracts that drive greater member adoption and utilization.

This role actively participates in our Deliberately Developmental Organizational (DDO) Culture, with the willingness to be open-minded, identify, and make improvement on your growth edges. Support your colleagues’ development by providing feedback, utilizing development tools and practices as a team sport to further the growth, development and ultimately enhance innovation in our organization. This is accomplished through the cultivation and embodiment of our Core Values: Relentless Learning, Candor with Care, Proud Owners, Better Together and Member Obsessed.

How You Will Do It

Strategic Sourcing & Contract Management

• Execute sourcing strategies and contract roadmaps in partnership with the Vice President, Category Management.
• Develop and manage RFx processes, including drafting, solicitation, evaluation, and negotiation.
• Oversee contract awards, renewals, amendments, and terminations, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms and drive member value.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, addressing non-compliance or performance issues as needed.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Monitor contract performance, pricing, and compliance, implementing improvements and corrective actions as necessary.
• Analyze sourcing data to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Support the development and implementation of process improvements and innovative sourcing strategies.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with internal teams (e.g., Member Engagement, Marketing, IT, Analytics) and external stakeholders to deliver sourcing solutions.
• Support contract launch, training, and communication activities.
• Share best practices and lessons learned across teams.

Strategic Initiatives & Reporting

• Participate in strategic projects and program management efforts.
• Provide updates and reports on key sourcing and contract management initiatives.
• Champion diversity, ESG, and eProcurement enablement in sourcing activities.

Other Duties

• Support business case development, presentations, and other activities as assigned.
• Represent the organization at business partner meetings and industry events.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field (preferred).

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of progressive procurement experience.
• Professional certifications (C.P.S.M, C.P.M, CPPO) preferred.
• Strong research, analytical, and investigative skills for developing compliant solicitation documents.
• Proven ability to manage strategic procurement and contract activities, including scheduling, tracking, reporting, and communication.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills in diverse environments.
• In-depth knowledge of the procurement lifecycle from planning through post-award; experience with large, complex procurements preferred.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to prepare and maintain confidential, audit-ready documentation.
• Flexible and adaptable to change; capable of managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including quantitative decision-making.
• Ability to make high-impact decisions on legal, financial, and contractual matters, including risk assessment and negotiation strategies.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Excel; strong knowledge of e-procurement systems.

Travel Requirements

• Willingness to travel nationally (approximately 10%) to engage with business partners and members.

Call To Action

If you’re ready to bring your skills or values to a mission that matters and create meaningful impact together, we’d love to hear from you.

Use the "Apply Now" button on our careers page and submit your resume and a cover letter specifying your salary expectations. All submissions will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality.

E&I is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunities for employment and advancement without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.