Strategic Procurement Manager - Higher Education & Vendors

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

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.