Strategic Procurement & Contracts Director — On-Site

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 130,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University is seeking a Director of Procurement and Contract Services to lead strategic procurement, contracting, and supplier engagement across the university. This role reports to the Assistant Vice President and drives vision, collaboration, and continuous improvement in procurement operations.

The successful candidate will develop and execute procurement strategies, optimize resources, mitigate risk, and partner with academic and administrative leaders to deliver value,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience.
• Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of procurement strategies, programs, policies, and services.
• Provide leadership and oversight of competitive solicitation processes and contracts, including requests for proposals, requests for quotations, invitations for bids, negotiation of contracts, and mitigation of risks.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to university leadership, departments, and business units on procurement strategy, contracting, supplier management, and risk considerations.
• Collaborate with the Office of General Counsel, Division of Information Technology, Division of Financial Services, Vice President for Research administrative units, Division of Facilities, and other partners to support institutional priorities and effective contract management.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Develop and present reports, dashboards, and recommendations to university leadership regarding procurement activities, opportunities, savings, risk mitigation, and service outcomes.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional leadership

Procurement strategy

Risk management

Competitive bidding

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Kansas State University is seeking a Director of Procurement and Contract Services to lead strategic procurement, contracting, and supplier engagement across the university. This role reports to the Assistant Vice President and drives vision, collaboration, and continuous improvement in procurement operations.

The successful candidate will develop and execute procurement strategies, optimize resources, mitigate risk, and partner with academic and administrative leaders to deliver value,