Strategic Procurement Leader | Deputy Director

Northeastern Illinois University; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision benefits

State of Illinois benefits

CMS benefits program

Job summary

Northeastern Illinois University is seeking a Deputy Director of Procurement to lead the university's procurement operations at the main campus in Chicago. The role drives strategic sourcing, contract administration, and supplier relationships while ensuring compliance with the Procurement Code of Illinois and university policies.

Responsibilities include managing day-to-day activities, mentoring staff, and supporting the Workday ERP implementation.

Qualifications

• Eleven (11) years of progressively responsible management work experience in a private or governmental organization; eight (8) years in the area of designated specialization; three (3) years supervising professional staff or process within the designated specialization.
• Bachelor’s degree may be substituted for the above three years non-specialized experience.
• Master’s degree may be substituted for one (1) year specialized work experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day procurement operations, including competitive sourcing, purchase requisitions, supplier onboarding and contract execution.
• Supervise and mentor procurement staff, ensuring consistent application of policies and best practices.
• Assist in developing, implementing and maintaining procurement policies, procedures, and systems.
• Serve as acting director in the absence of the Director of Procurement.
• Lead strategic-sourcing initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supplier performance.
• Partner with departments to analyze spend data and develop purchasing strategies aligned with university objectives.
• Oversee supplier qualification, onboarding, and performance evaluation processes.
• Promote supplier diversity and the use of BEP-certified minority vendors.
• Ensure purchase requests are consistent with budgets and funding.
• Review all contracts and certifications for filing with the State Comptroller.
• Support the Workday Implementation process and optimization of the Workday ERP system.
• Provide guidance and training to university departments on procurement best practices, compliance and contract management.
• Oversee and manage the university’s Corporate P-Card Program.
• Review all federally funded contracts and intergovernmental agreements.
• Ensure purchasing is consistent and compliant with specific terms.

Skills

Leadership

Procurement management

Policy compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree required

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Workday ERP

Job description

Northeastern Illinois University is seeking a Deputy Director of Procurement to lead the university's procurement operations at the main campus in Chicago. The role drives strategic sourcing, contract administration, and supplier relationships while ensuring compliance with the Procurement Code of Illinois and university policies.

Responsibilities include managing day-to-day activities, mentoring staff, and supporting the Workday ERP implementation.