Internal candidates only

Primary Work Location:

50 Washington Street, Westborough, MA; Hybrid work schedule

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Strategic Sourcing Manager, the Senior Strategic Sourcing Specialist is responsible for procuring materials, equipment, supplies and services of a specialized or complex nature in accordance with prescribed procurement policies and procedures. Will lead or provide sourcing support and prepare bid specifications, issue bid requests, review quotations, and lead or support contracting execution.  Will lead training on UMass Procurement systems and policies for UPST staff.  Will be responsible for development and maintenance of procurement record keeping systems.

Essential Functions:

• Guide identification and selection of suppliers to procure goods and services, meeting criteria such as price, quantity, quality, and delivery date as well as place orders.
• Take ownership of one (or more) subcategories of spend to assist in the optimization of an overall procurement category, working in collaboration with the appropriate category manager.  Includes spend analysis, assisting in presentations to UMass leadership, and conducting systemwide bids in support of the sub-category initiatives.
• Identify requesting functions’ requirements and develop and refine specifications for goods and services.
• Interpret and communicate Procurement policies and procedures to stakeholders and lead sourcing efforts.
• Write and distribute complex and technical bid invitations or requests for proposals; receive and analyze bids, quotes, and proposals, and award contracts.
• Resolve complex Procurement problems between function and supplier.
• Lead or support more complex supplier business reviews, evaluating supplier performance and compliance.
• Train UPST staff and campus stakeholders on the use of UMass Procurement systems and practices
• Develop and maintain procurement record keeping systems
• Run weekly Sourcing Pipeline team meeting, including agenda management, notetaking/action item follow up, and management of the meeting
• Supervision, training and onboarding of student interns

Other Functions:

• Perform other responsibilities as required

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 4-6 years of professional experience directly related to purchasing, strategic sourcing, contract administration or category management

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience):

• At least 2 years of professional experience directly related to strategic sourcing or category management
• Experience working in an institution of higher education
• Massachusetts Certified Procurement Officer (MCPPO) designation
• Experience with Jaggaer eProcurement system
• Experience with People Soft
• Knowledge of Procurement practices and procedures
• Knowledge of various categories in goods and services
• Skilled in preparing and analyzing complex technical specifications and bids
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Experience in Change Management
• Experience in development and delivery of training
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships

Working Conditions:

• Typical office environment
• Must be able to travel occasionally to all UMass campuses and the Boston central office

Additional Details:

Salary commensurate with experience up to $90,000.

Internal candidates only