Strategic University Procurement Lead

DePaul University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 74,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Retirement plan matching 8%

Tuition waivers

Generous paid time off

Full-time benefits

Job summary

DePaul University in Chicago seeks a Procurement Manager to supervise the procurement function and manage vendor relationships, partnering with senior leadership to enforce competitive, fair, and compliant purchasing across the institution.

The role leads a team of 2-3 procurement professionals and collaborates with stakeholders across the university including leadership, faculty, staff, and external vendors. Prior higher education experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in procurement, purchasing, strategic sourcing, or a 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

• Manage day-to-day procurement operations, including oversight of staff, controls and compliance.
• Review and approve purchase requisitions.
• Ensure procurement activities are carried out in a competitive, fair, and compliant environment.
• Review overall University spending for potential efficiencies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the university, including leadership, faculty, staff, and external vendors.
• Support competitive bidding processes (RFPs, RFQs, and ITBs) and maintain visibility into the university's bid pipeline.
• Partner with Accounts Payable, General Counsel, and other stakeholders in Procure-to-Pay processes, contract negotiations, and vendor relationship management.
• Ensure contracts and agreements align with university risk tolerance, legal requirements, and compliance standards.
• Remain current with procurement technologies and tools to identify potential opportunities for process improvements.
• Manage procurement system configuration, supplier catalogs, and related e-procurement tools within the university's ERP environment.

Skills

Communication

Risk assessment

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement portal tools

Job description

DePaul University in Chicago seeks a Procurement Manager to supervise the procurement function and manage vendor relationships, partnering with senior leadership to enforce competitive, fair, and compliant purchasing across the institution.

The role leads a team of 2-3 procurement professionals and collaborates with stakeholders across the university including leadership, faculty, staff, and external vendors. Prior higher education experience is preferred.