Director of Purchasing & Strategic Sourcing (Hybrid)

Department: Procurement/Payment Services
Salary/Grade: EXS/13

Job Summary:

Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) is the single point of contact for all centralized procurement and payment activities. The Director of Strategic Sourcing and Purchasing, reporting to the Assistant Vice President, leads the Strategic Sourcing and Purchasing team of 6-8 staff responsible for managing the formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process, as well as managing the resulting contracts. This includes establishing Preferred Vendor Contracts (e.g., for computer, lab, and office supplies) as well as contracts with strategic partners for a broad range of goods and services (e.g., custodial and food services). The team also reviews and approves requisitions and payment requests within NUFinancials.

The Director ensures these functions are performed with integrity and a high degree of independence. Success in this role requires high engagement and strong collaboration with the Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, departments and schools, as well as the Procurement and Payment Services division and the vendor community.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Specific Responsibilities:

Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise the Strategic Sourcing and Purchasing team, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and terminations.
• Assign and balance workload across staff; monitor project progress and provide ongoing feedback.
• Provide direct oversight for high-profile bids and contracts.
• Act as the internal escalation point for procurement and payment-related issues; implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Continually stay informed and train your team on industry best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging procurement solutions.
• Assist with budget management and long-term planning within Procurement and Payment Services.
• Represent the Assistant Vice President as needed in meetings and decision-making forums.

Functional Oversight of Strategic Sourcing and Procurement

• Lead or support high-visibility procurement projects and manage a select portfolio of strategic contracts.
• Oversee the full Invitation to Bid (ITB) process, including review and approval of bid documents, award decisions, and contracts.
• Ensure compliance with University purchasing policies, procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Provide oversight for Purchasing-required approvals and ensure contract compliance through post-audit reviews and policy consultation.

Process Improvement and Data Analysis

• Identify and pursue opportunities for process improvement, automation, and strategic cost savings across the procure-to-pay lifecycle.
• Analyze spending patterns and trends to identify future contracting opportunities and inform university business decisions.
• Develop and evaluate procurement-related metrics, reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Communication and Outreach

• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with departments, schools, and campus stakeholders.
• Contributes to the development of procurement-related communications, including forms, website content, training materials, newsletters, and strategic messaging.
• Service as a representative to the vendor community to promote partnership opportunities.
• Represent Northwestern at peer networks, relevant industry conferences, and local business events.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS)Identify the minimum qualifications required to successfully perform the job. Qualifications include education, experience, specialized knowledge, and professional certification.

• Bachelor's degree in business and management or related field required.
• Five to ten years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, purchasing, or related procurement functions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to compile, interpret, and act on data to support decision-making and problem-solving.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills-both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in relevant business software and procurement systems.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement and payment processes, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt in a dynamic environment.
• Capacity to understand and apply University policies and procedures appropriately in various operational contexts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS)

• Experience working at a higher education institution and/or or similarly complex, decentralized environment.
• Experience supervising high-performing professional staff, including responsibility for hiring, performance management, workload distribution, and staff development.
• Experience with other purchasing (e.g. Jaggaer-eProcurement, contract management).
• Expertise with PeopleSoft Financials.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $123,500-$160,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.