Job Description:The Director of SUNY Procurement - Commodities (Director) will serve as the system-level leader for commodity procurements for SUNY's Office of System-wide Procurement. The Director will develop and execute commodity procurement strategies that drive value, efficiency, and compliance across SUNY's system-wide spend. This role leads centralized sourcing activities, including the development and implementation of contracts, vendor management, and cost optimization initiatives for assigned categories. The Director is responsible for ensuring procurements are aligned with SUNY's strategic procurement goals and portfolio management priorities, driving alignment and engagement across 64 campuses and System Administration procurement operations.
The position reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for System-wide Procurement & System Collaborations and serves on the office's leadership team.
The primary areas of responsibility for this position:- Direct and lead the centralized SUNY System Administration Commodities contract portfolio, including contract solicitations and compliance.
- Direct and lead the planning, organization, development and coordination of assigned and requested commodity procurements in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
- Direct and lead procurement training and professional development programs for campus procurement professionals.
- Provide professional support, education, and advice to all stakeholders involving SUNY-wide procurements.
Duties & Responsibilities:- Design and implement category plans and policies for commodities that leverage SUNY's purchasing scale and optimize supplier performance for system-wide commodity purchases.
- Conduct data-driven market research to identify sourcing opportunities and price efficiencies for commodities purchased across campuses, influencing and advising on the development of related policies.
- Lead the development and publication of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitation for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Quotes (RFQ's), Requests for Information (RFI's), Sole/Single Source Procurements, and other related financial documents.
- Lead and collaborate with program staff to draft and develop solicitation documents such as scope of work, mandatory requirements, bidder qualifications, and contract evaluation tools while ensuring adherence to applicable rules, regulations and guidelines, and fiscal objectives. Review bids for compliance with the requirements of the solicitations and negotiate with vendors throughout the process.
- Establish long-term commodity supplier relationships to improve service delivery and innovation.
- Review procurement records to ensure adherence to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations and ensure proposed contracts represent the best value to New York State. Advise on and develop relevant policies.
- Review and manage contractor performance, including price adjustments, amendments, contract interpretation and contract compliance issues.
- Engage campuses, including campus executives, to ensure strategies meet institutional and end-user needs for commodity purchases.
- Monitor and establish Key performance Indicators (KPIs) and cost savings in line with commodity portfolio management frameworks.
- Identify and implement process efficiencies and category best practices for procurements.
- Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders and collaborate with other Financial Administration directors to develop and implement innovative procurement savings with commodity purchases.
- Responsible to work as a member of the senior team to develop system-wide procurement policies and procedures, training programs, and communications for the entire organization.
- Serve as a liaison and subject matter expert to 64 campuses, the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC), NYS Attorney General (AG), State Office of Information Technology Services (OITS), Office of General Services (OGS) and other applicable agencies, for commodity procurements.
- Perform other duties and special projects as required.
- Supervise and direct a team or teams of contract managers and other procurement professionals.
Requirements:Required Skills: - Proven ability to direct and lead end-to-end procurement.
- Strong financial and data analysis capabilities using tools like Excel, Power BI, or JAGGAER.
- Skilled at influencing and aligning multiple stakeholders
- Demonstrated success in achieving savings and value through supplier negotiations.
- Ability to manage concurrent initiatives with clear deliverables and timelines.
- Excellent presentation and reporting skills for executive stakeholders.
- Comfortable leading within a transforming organization and evolving operating model.
- Must be flexible and adapt to the changing priorities and requests.
Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Supply Chain, Business, or related field with 8-10 years in procurement or category management, preferably in public sector or Associate degree and 10-12 years of procurement or category management experience.
- Experience with New York State procurement process is desired.
Additional Information: - Salary is dependent on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, training, and certifications. The range for this position is $110,000 - $140,000 annually.
- This position will be based in Albany, NY.
- Excellent Benefit Package which includes: NYS health insurance, free dental and vision coverage, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance, parental leave at full pay, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday time.13 days of paid holidays per year; 21 days of vacation, and 21 days of sick time accrued each year. Please see our MC benefits summary for additional information.
- Management/Confidential appointments work under the leadership and discretion of the appointing authority and are not represented by a union.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.SUNY System Administration Benefits:SUNY System Administration provides an outstanding and comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family through the many life changes you may experience while you work for SUNY. Our nationally recognized benefits include:
- Retirement: The choice between a fully funded pension plan and a self-driven defined contribution plan, along with two supplemental plans to increase your ability to save for retirement.
- Health Insurance: Several health insurance options at an affordable cost that provide full coverage without mandatory deductibles.
- Time Off: Paid time off with separate vacation and sick leave accruals up to 21 days a year for each category.
- Additional paid leave policy options for childbirth, adoption, elder care, and other family care situations.
- Explore our full benefits offerings here: www.suny.edu/benefits
Application Instructions:Interested candidates are invited to apply online. Please submit a cover letter, resume and four professional references when applying. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
