Syracuse University

Senior Procurement Specialist

Syracuse University$80K — $90K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
  • 8-10 years of progressively responsible procurement and supply chain experience.
  • Six Sigma and/or Kaizen certification.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple high dollar commodities simultaneously.
  • Experience with strategic procurement, supplier management, and process improvement.

Responsibilities

  • Proactively manage multiple commodity portfolios to identify cost reduction and operational efficiencies.
  • Apply procurement best practices across various commodities like Athletics, IT, and Marketing.
  • Conduct market research and supplier analysis to inform procurement decisions.
  • Monitor supply chain risks and develop strategies to mitigate disruptions.
  • Support Strategic Sourcing on RFQs and RFPs as needed.
  • Evaluate supplier performance and manage service levels alongside Strategic Sourcing.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to significantly impact procurement transformation through automation and technology.
  • Engagement with a diverse community in a vibrant academic environment.
  • Collaboration with various departments to support the University’s strategic goals.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Posting Details

Job #
043069

Department Code
31007-1060

Department
Office of the Chief Financial Officer

Job Title
Senior Procurement Specialist

Location
Syracuse, NY

Campus
Syracuse, NY

Commitment to On-Campus Experience

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range
$80,000 - $90,000

Pay Determination

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate's education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university's strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level
S5

FLSA Status
Exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours

8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type
Full-time

Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable

Job Description

The Senior Procurement Specialist is responsible for managing supplier relationships, driving cost savings, and supporting the University's procurement strategy. This position serves as a trusted collaborator to campus stakeholders by providing expertise in procurement fundamentals, commodity management, and supplier performance management, while ensuring compliance with University policies and applicable regulations.

This role plays a key part in advancing Procurement's transformation through automation, data analytics, forecasting, supplier optimization, and the effective use of emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
  • 8-10 years of progressively responsible procurement and supply chain experience.
  • Six Sigma and/or Kaizen certification
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple high dollar commodities simultaneously.
  • Experience with strategic procurement, supplier management, spend analysis, and process improvement.


Skills and Knowledge
  • Advanced knowledge of procurement principles, commodity management, supplier relationship management, and supply chain best practices.
  • Advanced proficiency with Excel and demonstrated ability to analyze complex procurement and financial data.
  • Proficiency with ERP/procurement systems such as Oracle or SAP, as well as PowerPoint and Smartsheet.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize AI-enabled and analytical tools to improve efficiency, analysis, and decision-making.
  • Strong financial analysis, forecasting, benchmarking, and spend analysis skills.
  • Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and supplier performance management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple commodities, projects, and competing priorities simultaneously.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage suppliers and stakeholders at all organizational levels.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and support procurement technology and automation initiatives.


Responsibilities

Procurement & Commodity Management
  • Proactively manage multiple commodity portfolios simultaneously, navigating easily across categories while identifying opportunities for cost reduction, operational efficiencies, supplier optimization, and value creation.
  • Apply sound procurement fundamentals and best practices consistently across a wide range of commodities and service categories such as, but not limited to; Athletics, Construction, Facilities, IT Hardware and Software, Marketing, Operations and Research
  • Conduct market research, benchmarking, and supplier analysis to support procurement decisions.
  • Monitor market trends, supply chain risks, pricing fluctuations, and inflationary impacts that may affect University operations.
  • Develop mitigation strategies to reduce supply chain disruptions.
  • Multi-task effectively across concurrent procurement activities and shifting priorities without loss of quality or timeliness.
  • Support Strategic Sourcing on RFQs, RFPs as needed

Supplier Relationship Management
  • Build and maintain strong, productive supplier partnerships in collaboration with Strategic Sourcing
  • In support of Strategic Sourcing, evaluate supplier performance using measurable metrics and scorecards
  • Proactively manage supplier service levels and delivery performance on an ongoing basis.
  • Resolve supplier performance issues while maintaining productive business relationships.
  • Establish and manage performance improvement plans for underperforming suppliers.

Financial Analysis
  • Perform spend analysis for all proposals and identify savings opportunities.
  • Analyze procurement data to support strategic decision making.
  • Develop forecasting models for commodities managed
  • Track and report savings initiatives and procurement performance metrics
  • Utilize advanced Excel and reporting tools to support analysis.
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Proactively partner with campus departments to understand business needs.
  • Engage stakeholders early during project planning to align on procurement needs and priorities.
  • Provide procurement guidance throughout the procurement lifecycle.
  • Deliver exceptional customer service while balancing compliance and operational needs.

Stakeholder Engagement
  • Proactively partner with campus departments to understand business needs.
  • Engage stakeholders early during project planning to align on procurement needs and priorities.
  • Provide procurement guidance throughout the procurement lifecycle.
  • Deliver exceptional customer service while balancing compliance and operational needs.


Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

Quick Link
https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/114378

Job Posting Date
08/31/2026

Application Deadline

Full Consideration By

Job Category
Staff

Message to Applicants

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York. It was founded in 1870 and has since grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States. Syracuse University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in a wide range of fields including business, engineering, law, and the arts. The university is known for its strong programs in communications, architecture, and social sciences. Syracuse University is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers.
Learn more about Syracuse University
Size
15,000 employees
Industry

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