VP Strategic Sourcing

Universal Technical Institute, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); Remote; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. is seeking a Vice President of Strategic Sourcing to lead a unified enterprise sourcing strategy across capital and operating expenses.

You will drive supplier partnerships, complex negotiations, and the implementation of enterprise procurement systems enabling scalable Procure-to-Pay across the organization. The role focuses on construction, real estate, facilities, and program-launch initiatives as UTI expands to approximately four new campuses and twenty

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain, procurement, or related functions.
• Experience implementing enterprise procurement systems and ERP-integrated Procure-to-Pay processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a unified strategic sourcing roadmap aligned with growth plans and multi-campus expansion.
• Oversee sourcing for construction, real estate, facilities, and program-launch initiatives supporting four new campuses and ~20 programs annually.
• Establish standardized sourcing processes, specifications, and contract templates for recurring construction and facilities projects.
• Partner with academic, campus operations, real estate, IT, and facilities teams to integrate sourcing early in capital project cycles.
• Lead senior-level negotiations for complex multi-year agreements and drive cost savings.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Vendor management

Negotiations

Cross-functional leadership

Cost optimization

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Procure-to-Pay

Job description

Position Overview

The Vice President of Strategic Sourcing leads the development and execution of an enterprise sourcing strategy that supports the company’s rapid growth and operational priorities. This role oversees sourcing for all categories of capital and operating expenses, including major construction, real estate, and program‑launch initiatives while driving value, efficiency, and risk mitigation across the supply chain. The VP stewards strategic supplier partnerships, lead complex negotiations, and implement enterprise procurement systems that enable scalable Procure‑to‑Pay operations.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute a unified strategic sourcing roadmap aligned with corporate growth plans, division priorities, and multi‑campus expansion strategies
• Oversee sourcing for construction, real estate, facilities, and program‑launch initiatives supporting approximately four new campuses and ~twenty new academic programs annually
• Oversee sourcing for “business as usual” capital and expense categories across existing campuses and corporate functions
• Establish standardized sourcing processes, specifications, and contract templates for recurring construction, renovation, FF&E, and facilities projects
• Partner with academic, campus operations, real estate, IT, and facilities teams to integrate sourcing early in capital project and program development cycles
• Build and manage strategic supplier partnerships and lead senior‑level negotiations for complex multi‑year agreements
• Drive cost savings through competitive sourcing, value engineering, supplier consolidation, and optimized contract structures
• Lead implementation of an enterprise‑wide procurement system and processes enabling full Procure‑to‑Pay functionality within the ERP platform
• Ensure sourcing and procurement activities comply with relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations and competitive bidding standards
• Mitigate supply chain risks through proactive supplier management, contingency planning, and competitive sourcing practices
• Oversee supplier performance management frameworks including KPIs, SLAs, scorecards, and quarterly business reviews
• Advance supplier diversity and local vendor engagement initiatives aligned with institutional mission and community impact goals
• Establish/maintain a high performance team of professional, motivated and engaged staff utilizing effective training, performance management and career‑development activities while leading them to achieve established business results and performance metrics
• Recognizes and rewards employee contributions and achievements
• Other duties as assigned

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or a related field (required)
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain, procurement, or related functions (preferred)
• Experience implementing enterprise procurement systems and/or ERP‑integrated Procure‑to‑Pay processes

Skills

• Set department‑level strategic direction and influences organizational priorities
• Anticipate complex problems and proactively addresses them
• Build strong relationships through insight, empathy, and presence
• Communicate vision and priorities with clarity and inspiration
• Demonstrate exceptional listening, influencing, and negotiation skills
• Lead enterprise‑wide initiatives and large‑scale presentations
• Create accountability frameworks to ensure sustained performance
• Champion the use of technology, data, and systems for innovation
• Make impactful decisions with minimal oversight
• Anticipate future trends and translate insights into strategic breakthroughs
• Develop people to achieve both personal and organizational goals
• Foster a motivating environment that drives high performance
• Adapt style and approach to meet evolving demands in real time

Abilities

• Able and willing to:
  • Communicate, think, learn, and reason
  • Use computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to process transactions, store documents, enter data, or perform assigned tasks
  • Safely ambulate and/or maneuver when on‑site at Company locations
  • Demonstrate and utilize active listening, inductive reasoning, information ordering and category flexibility
• Ability to use good judgment, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretion
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment where deadlines are essential and multiple projects are worked simultaneously
• Ability to gain, understand and apply information and data as it relates essential functions of the position
• Ability to foster long‑term relationships with stakeholders

• Ability to travel to worksite locations
• Occassionally (up to 10% of workday)
  • Use fine and large motor skills to operate a motor vehicle
  • Use hearing and sight (both near and far vision) to operate a motor vehicle

Work Environment

• Work is performed indoors in a climate‑controlled environment when on site at assigned company location. Employees must be able to safely ambulate when on company premises.
• This position is designated as Remote. Employees must meet minimum technical standards for eligibility and participation.
• Overnight and/or Local travel required (up to 25%)

About Us

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. is a national leader in workforce solutions for transportation, skilled trades and healthcare/dental. Across our two brands, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and Concorde Career Colleges, we share a common purpose: to prepare students for careers in high‑demand fields. Just as we invest in our students’ futures, we invest in our people by creating opportunities to grow, contribute and build rewarding careers while making a lasting difference in the lives of students, employers and the communities we serve.