Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Colorado State University; United States; Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks an innovative Strategic Sourcing Specialist to lead a groundbreaking higher-education procurement initiative. The role blends strategic sourcing, category management, executive collaboration and complex negotiations to drive cost savings and partnerships across CSU.

The successful candidate will negotiate with external organizations, ensure compliance with procurement rules and provide leadership through the full procurement process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years in strategic sourcing or public procurement; or a high school diploma with 8+ years in strategic sourcing.
• Experience with complex, technical, or high-profile procurements.
• Demonstrated written and verbal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• Certifications: CPPB, CPPO, CPM, CPSM or similar.
• Experience with Kuali Financials and Jaggaer.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior leadership to structure solicitation vehicles and evaluation criteria.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure compliance and separation of procurement activities.
• Procure goods and services on a competitive basis and draft solicitation documents.
• Guide campus departments through procurement procedures and define performance measures.
• Interpret responses, advise on awards, and ensure integrity of the procurement process.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Independent work ability

Education

Bachelor's degree

High school diploma + 8+ years experience

CPPB, CPPO, CPM, CPSM or similar certifications

Tools

Kuali Financials

Jaggaer

Microsoft Office

WebFocus

PowerBI

Job description

Position Summary

Colorado State University seeks an innovative, collaborative and forward-thinking professional to help lead one of the most exciting sourcing initiatives in higher education. Unlike traditional procurement positions focused on acquiring goods and services. The Strategic Sourcing Specialist will combine strategic sourcing, category management, executive collaboration, partnership development, and complex negotiations to advance the University mission, vision and goals. The person will play a critical role in delivering measurable cost savings and/or partnership engagement to the University in close collaboration with the Colorado State University Partnership Program. This is an opportunity to build what may become the national model for strategic procurement in higher education. The Strategic Sourcing Specialist will help identify, negotiate and manage mutually beneficial relationships with external organizations to drive revenue growth, innovation and/or cost savings. The Strategic Sourcing Specialist will create these partnerships in accordance with the University’s Procurement Rules, State and Federal rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Based on professional experience, knowledge, and using the highest ethical conduct, this position will facilitate procurement decisions for the University by clarifying requirements, investigating sources of supply, and interpreting and analyzing data and circumstances. This position provides procurement leadership by guiding the University and the various departments through the procurement process in order to obtain the best value for the University. Judgment is used in the adaptation and skilled application of guidelines to solve the full range of problems related to each procurement. The successful candidate will facilitate collaborative stakeholder relationships while maintaining subject matter expertise. This position requires a strong team player with a passion for providing excellent customer support and the ability to facilitate collaborative stakeholder relationships. This is a new, full-time appointment, based on the CSU Fort Collins campus, with the potential for flexible work arrangements including hybrid office/remote work. The expected start date is as soon as possible. This position will remain open until filled, but for full consideration, please apply by September 13, 2026.

Essential Job Duties

• Work closely with the Chief Procurement Officer and AVP for University Partnerships in every step of the UPP Process.
• Select and structure the solicitation vehicle (e.g., invitation for bid vs. best-value request for proposal), evaluation criteria, contract term and renewal strategy that best support partnership objectives while preserving full and open competition.
• Coordinate with partnership, advancement and marketing stakeholders so that procurement and sponsorship activities remain appropriately separated and compliant (including anti-kickback and pay-to-play safeguards), engaging the Office of the General Counsel as needed.
• Procures goods and services on a competitive basis for best outcomes to end users by compiling and refining solicitation specifications, researching and identifying potential sources and preparing appropriate solicitation documents.
• Guides campus departments through procurement procedures.
• Collaborates with campus departments on defining performance measures and award criteria.
• Interprets and analyzes responses, communicates the results and collaborates with the University department on selecting awarded supplier(s) and awards the contract.
• Guides and assures the integrity of all aspects of the procurement process by researching and developing solicitation documents in collaboration with the requesting department(s).
• Interprets, explains, enforces, clarifies, counsels, and advocates appropriate courses of action, and advises evaluation committee(s) of options and consequences by employing the Colorado State University Procurement Rules, University Fiscal Rules and Procedures, Federal Laws and additionally, various policies/procedures of the University as guidelines.
• Utilizes professional judgment in the adaptation and skilled application of guidelines to solve the full range of challenges related to the assignment.
• Anticipates, analyzes and manages the impact and consequences of decisions including formal protests as filed by vendor(s) or internal unauthorized purchases.
• Accesses and employs the on-line computerized purchasing and public solicitation systems, and multiple software packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, WebFocus, PowerBI) as tools in the procurement process.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment background check (required for any new hires).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in strategic sourcing or strategic procurement in public procurement OR a high school diploma and a minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in strategic sourcing or strategic procurement in public procurement.
• Experience with complex, technical or high-profile procurements.
• Demonstrated written and verbal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• Professional certifications - CPPB, CPPO, CPM, CPSM or similar.
• Experience with Kuali Financials and Jaggaer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple concurrent tasks, meet critical deadlines and effectively manage changing priorities while maintaining professionalism.
• Master's degree or higher.
• Record of past professional development and willingness to engage in future professional development opportunities.
• Demonstrated experience in reviewing, redlining and negotiating third-party vendor contract terms.

Salary Range

$95,000 - $105,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.