Job Description:The Director of SUNY Procurement - Information Technology (IT) serves as the system-level leader for information technology procurements for SUNY's Office of System-wide Procurement. The Director will develop and execute category strategies that drive value, efficiency, innovation, cybersecurity, and compliance across SUNY's system-wide technology spend. This role leads centralized sourcing activities, including development and implementation of contracts, vendor and supplier relationship management, and cost optimization initiatives for IT commodities and services.
The Director is responsible for ensuring procurements are aligned with SUNY's strategic procurement goals, technology priorities, cybersecurity requirements, and portfolio management objectives while driving alignment and engagement across SUNY's 64 campuses, SUNY hospitals, and System Administration procurement and technology 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:- Manage the centralized SUNY System Administration IT contract portfolio, including hardware, software, cloud services, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and technology-related professional services contracts.
- Lead the planning, organization, development, and coordination of assigned and requested IT procurements in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and cybersecurity requirements.
- Lead procurement training and professional development programs for campus and hospital procurement professionals focused on technology procurement best practices.
- Provide professional support, education, and advice to stakeholders regarding SUNY-wide information technology procurements and contracting strategies.
- Duties & Responsibilities
- Design and implement category management strategies for IT commodities and services that leverage SUNY's purchasing scale and optimize supplier performance across the SUNY system.
- Conduct data-driven market research and technology trend analysis to identify sourcing opportunities, emerging technologies, pricing efficiencies, and innovative procurement approaches.
- Collaborate with SUNY Information Technology Services and campus technology leaders to develop system-wide technology procurement standards, governance frameworks, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for enterprise software, cloud services, hardware, networking, telecommunications, cybersecurity solutions, and IT professional services.
- Participate in the development and publication of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitation for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), Requests for Information (RFIs), Sole/Single Source Procurements, and other related procurement documents.
- Review bids and proposals for compliance with procurement requirements, technical specifications, cybersecurity standards, and contractual obligations.
- Establish and maintain strategic relationships with technology suppliers to improve service delivery, innovation, contract utilization, and supplier performance.
- Review procurement records to ensure adherence to all applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and industry best practices while ensuring contracts represent the best value to New York State.
- Review software licensing models, subscription agreements, data security requirements, and cloud-hosted service terms to ensure strategic, financial, and operational alignment across the SUNY system.
- Review contractor and supplier performance, including service level agreements, software licensing compliance, contract amendments, pricing adjustments, contract interpretation, and performance issues.
- Partner with campuses, hospitals, and System Administration to understand technology needs and ensure procurement strategies support institutional goals and digital transformation initiatives.
- Coordinate with SUNY ITS, campus technology organizations, Office of General Service (OGS), Office of the State Comptroller (OSC), Attorney General (AG), State Office of Information Technology Services (OTIS), and other agencies on technology procurement initiatives and compliance requirements.
- Monitor key performance indicators, contract utilization, cost savings, vendor performance metrics, and strategic sourcing outcomes.
- Identify and implement process improvements, procurement automation opportunities, and category management best practices for IT procurements.
- Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders and collaborate with Financial Administration leadership to develop innovative procurement strategies and cost-saving opportunities.
- Work as a member of the senior leadership team to develop system-wide procurement policies, procedures, communications, and training programs.
- Serve as a liaison with SUNY campuses, hospitals, OGS, OSC, AG, OITS, and other governmental agencies regarding information technology procurements.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Requirements:Required Skills: - Proven ability to manage complex end-to-end procurements involving technology products and services.
- Strong understanding of IT procurement, software licensing models, cloud computing agreements, hardware acquisition, and technology services contracting.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity, data privacy, information security, and risk management considerations relevant to technology procurements.
- Strong financial and data analysis capabilities using tools such as Excel, Power BI, JAGGAER, or similar procurement and analytics platforms.
- Skilled at influencing, collaborating with, and aligning diverse stakeholder groups, including procurement, technology, legal, and finance teams.
- Demonstrated success in achieving savings, operational improvements, and strategic value through supplier negotiations and category management.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives with clear deliverables, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.
- Excellent presentation, facilitation, communication, and executive reporting skills.
- Comfortable leading within a transforming organization and evolving technology environment.
- Must be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities, technologies, and business needs.
Required Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, supply chain management, information technology, computer science, or a related field with 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, contract administration, or information technology procurement; or an associate degree with 10-12 years of related experience.
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with information technology procurement, strategic sourcing, software licensing, cloud services, or technology contract management.
- Experience with New York State procurement processes and public-sector procurement environments.
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.
- The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this position. Individual starting salaries are determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. While the full range is provided for transparency, starting salaries generally fall near the entry to midpoint of the range. Salaries at or near the top of the range are rare and reserved for candidates who exceptionally exceed all posted requirements.
- 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.
- Flexible Working Arrangements: Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid schedules, are available depending on position.
- 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.
