Director of Procurement

Job Summary:

The Director of Procurement plays an essential role in the development of the University procurement strategy and is responsible for establishing, managing, and improving all aspects of strategic sourcing. The Director of Procurement is also responsible for the development and execution of the University's procurement policy and for creating a centralized program that will add value and efficiency to the organization.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. This position promotes collaboration with colleges, schools, and units across campus and builds relationships to support the participation and adoption of the most efficient purchasing process.
2. Creates and enforces procurement policy and procedures for the University; assist and provide training for university departments in selecting appropriate purchasing method.
3. Strategically work with university departments to develop needs assessments (specifications and sources of supply based on product knowledge, departmental requirements, availability, and cost issues).
4. Develops sourcing strategy; assesses new procurement methods by evaluating the use of electronic procurement options, purchasing cooperatives, competitive bids, lease versus purchase options, volume discount contracts, and other potential cost-saving options.
5. Review and prepare complex legal documents related to purchasing for accuracy and completeness. Examine information and documents contained in purchasing and contract files to ensure documentation compliance with established purchasing policies and procedures. Negotiate relevant terms with suppliers.
6. Represent the University to suppliers, develop and monitor supplier relationships, create and issue RFPs, analyze bids and provide recommendations aligned with departmental and university priorities.
7. Identifies and recommends opportunities for policy and procedural changes that improve efficiencies and reduce costs.
8. Ensures purchasing practices are consistent, open, and designed to encourage maximum competition and best value procurements.
9. Advise end users on the eProcurement system. Tracks, troubleshoots, and resolves procurement system issues. Recommends improvements in workflow, procedures, and documentation as it relates to the system; implements improvements as approved.
10. Leads activities related to the oversight and management of the University Purchasing Card (PCard) and Travel Card programs, including evaluating and enhancing the programs and implementing quality improvement practices, processes, procedures, or policies.
11. This position provides oversight of the travel management operations.
12. Enhances Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) participation across the procurement portfolio in accordance with university goals and objectives.
13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree required from an accredited school.
• Minimum of seven years’ experience in purchasing management or a related financial function with progressively greater responsibility for fiscal and administrative oversight.
• Experience leading qualitative selection process for Request for Proposals, Request for Qualifications, Request for Information (RFP/Q/I) and leading selection and evaluation committees.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Higher Education experience.
• Experience in contracting and procurement with attitude of a generalist that can assist with full range of business issues in a variety of commercial contexts.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• None

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• RFP/ITB Training
• Supply Chain Training/Certifications/Classes

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of Purchasing Cooperatives
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws or regulations required to perform the job
• Knowledge of eProcurement software
• Skilled in Microsoft Office
• Effective written/oral communication skills and ability to manage a broad range of complex issues in a collaborative environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to facilitate multiple priorities
• Ability to work effectively independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to work with minimal supervision under tight deadlines
• Ability to research suppliers and market conditions to make informed decisions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

Employment Values Statement:

Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.