Supplier Engagement Program Manager

University of Connecticut; Storrs (CT); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Connecticut is seeking a mission-driven Supplier Engagement Program Manager within the Procurement team to expand opportunities for Connecticut suppliers and strengthen connections between UConn and the local business community.

Reporting to procurement leadership, this role manages USEP operations across the Storrs campus and regional sites, leads strategic supplier engagement initiatives, and supervises staff while traveling in-state to train, outreach, and attend meetings

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field or equivalent experience in procurement
• Experience in supplier relationship management, including oversight of performance and compliance
• Strong leadership, supervisory, organizational, project management, and planning skills with the ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Oversee the effectiveness of all supplier engagement programs and manage USEP operations
• Advise university administrators and business stakeholders on policies, procedures, and reporting for USEP
• Serve as USEP liaison to Department of Administrative Services and the Commission on Human Rights for diversity strategies
• Plan and supervise staff, prepare analyses and reports for decision-making, and train personnel
• Organize workshops and represent the University in supplier engagement organizations and conferences

Skills

Supplier relationships

Leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Policy compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Job description

Search #: 499118
Work type: Full-time
Location: UConn Storrs
Categories: Administrative Services

JOB SUMMARY

The University’s Procurement team is seeking a mission-driven Supplier Engagement Program Manager who is committed to expanding opportunities for Connecticut suppliers and building meaningful connections between the University and the businesses that serve Connecticut. The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening UConn’s supplier engagement strategy, increasing participation among Connecticut-based businesses, and helping suppliers navigate opportunities with UConn. This position manages and supervises all administrative services for the University Supplier Engagement Program (USEP) and is accountable for performing and managing the most complex tasks within the USEP. Responsibilities include but are not limited to leading the development and implementation of the University and UConn Heath’s (UCH) vendor engagement strategy and supervising activities, reports, and processes of a team serving the University’s main campus in Storrs, all regional campuses, and UConn Health in Farmington. This position is located at the main campus in Storrs, CT but requires a flexible schedule and regular in-state travel to conduct training, outreach and attend meetings and events.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBIBLITIES

• Responsible for the effectiveness of all University and UCH supplier engagement programs. Directs the day-to-day operation and administration of USEP, and assists in the planning, direction, coordination and expansion of USEP.
• Works collaboratively with various offices within the University and UCH and serves as an advisor to university administrators, staff, business leaders and/or other constituents regarding policies, procedures, statutory requirements and reporting responsibilities specific to USEP.
• Serves as USEP liaison to Department of Administrative Services and the Commission on Human Rights with regard to developing and executing complex supplier diversity strategies to increase participation and meet statutory goals.
• Performs office management duties for USEP; prepares comprehensive analyses, reports and recommendations for administrative decision-making; and supervises, trains and evaluates assigned personnel.
• Plans, organizes and administers workshops and training programs, in accordance with program goals. Represents the University and UCH in key supplier engagement related organizations, committees and conferences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business or related field and a minimum of five (5) years professional experience in procurement of materials/commodities in a comparable environment OR an Associate’s degree in a closely related field and seven (7) or more years of related professional experience in a comparable environment, OR an equivalency of education and relevant experience which includes at least nine (9) years’ professional experience in procurement of materials/commodities in a comparable environment.
• Experience in supplier relationship management, including oversight of performance and compliance.
• Strong leadership, supervisory, organizational, project management, and planning skills with the ability to meet deadlines and facilitate solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of and experience in negotiating, administering and supervising procurement and business-related activities.
• General knowledge of supplier engagement principles, laws, regulations and applicable federal and state procurement statutes and policies.
• Ability to develop and implement supplier engagement and other supplier related strategies and activities.
• Ability to identify and resolve complex issues efficiently, effectively and independently.
• Strong interpersonal and persuasiveness skills and the ability to work effectively with all levels of employees and management.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position located at the Storrs campus. The department is currently working under a hybrid model requiring staff to be on the Storrs campus two (2) days per week and to work remotely three (3) days per week. The hybrid work schedule may change subject to authorization and University policy.

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. The annual salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This position requires regular travel. Successful candidate must have dependable transportation and must be willing and able to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.

Advertised: Sep 30 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 30 2026 Eastern Daylight Time