Assistant Director Of Contract Management

Assistant Director of Contract Management

Hiring Department: UIC Purchasing & Contract Management

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1026067

Posting Close Date: 7/17/2024

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Description:

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Contract Management provides leadership to the UIC Purchasing and Contract Management contracts team, to oversee the management of contract activities within the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to ensure operational needs are met and conducted in compliance with University guidelines/regulations and established departmental policies/procedures; and in support of customer service goals. Provides management, supervision and training for UIC Purchasing and Contract Management staff in the areas of contract negotiation, coordination, and management. The position is entrusted with making independent, high-level administrative decisions in the performance of these job responsibilities to serve the best interests of UIC. The incumbent is the primary subject matter expert and "go to" person for a wide variety of contract matters.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages a team of contract professionals in UIC-wide Purchasing and Contract Management operations focusing on contracts negotiation and execution, including coordination of a large volume of highly specialized and complex contracts for goods and services, ensuring that contractual terms and conditions are in the best interests of the University, and that legal and statutory requirements, rules and policies are followed and adhered to throughout the contract process. Directs Contract Management contracts team members in support of such operations. Champions UIC Purchasing and Contract Management's mantra of excellent customer service.

• Acts as primary liaison with University Counsel, Risk Management and other administrative units to independently resolve and/or provide direction to staff to resolve complex issues necessary to secure University-preferred terms and provisions in contracts.

• Leads development, implements, and recommends appropriate updates to contract templates to improve efficiencies in the contract process.

• Develops and implements contract negotiation strategies that effectively yield cost savings and promote fiscal practices that align with University and departmental budget goals.

• Develops and delivers training programs and presentations on contracting topics for UIC Purchasing and Contract Management staff and staff in campus colleges and departments to ensure compliance with established State, University and departmental guidelines and policies, and to promote consistency in applying procurement and contract law and compliant procurement and contracting practices within daily operations.

• Manages and oversees development and implementation of new and/or revised procedures related to procurement and contracting processes to improve overall proficiency, identify issues that require immediate addressing to avert potential problematic situations, and to administer related activities in compliance with State laws, administrative rules, and University policies and guidelines.

• Leads major activities in strategic projects, such as Source2Pay initiative and alignment of Contract Services Office, including directing project plans and staffing resources, to ensure that the best interests of the department and UIC are represented. Works with counterparts at UIUC and UIS Purchasing to facilitate standardization of contract practices, contract templates and implementation of best practices.

• Assists departmental officials/staff, including department senior leadership (e.g. Vice Chancellors, Department Heads, etc.) to: identify contracting needs; prioritize activities of current projects and monitor overall progress of activities to ensure alignment with University and departmental objectives and goals and that departmental needs are met; address and resolve contracting issues in a timely manner; and develop working relationships that promote enhancement of UIC Purchasing and Contract Management contract operations.

• Train, develop and manage direct reporting staff to ensure that a qualified staff exists to meet group objectives. Coordinates hiring activities with Human Resources and the Office of Access and Equity including conducting interviews and participates in making hiring decisions. Responsible for administering other human resource activities related to job performance including: conducting performance appraisals; addressing work-performance issues; and participating in salary decisions that recognize staff contributions to the overall success of operations and services.

Serves on University, campus, and departmental committees/teams as assigned.

• Develop and prepare productivity reports for administrative review that include analysis of decision-making activities that redefine, establish goals, and provide recommendations to improve overall operations and services.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned and appropriate for an Assistant Director of Contract Management.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, public administration, or related field.

• Minimum of seven years of contracts experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor or graduate degree, preferred.

• Considerable knowledge of procurement and contract development, negotiation principles and practices, and legal aspects of contracts; State laws including the Illinois Procurement Code, Administrative Rules, and University procedures related to procurement and contracts, or similar complex rules and regulations.

• Strong interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a broad group of constituents to effectively resolve issues; good customer service skills.

• Considerable knowledge and proficiency with Banner, Jaggaer, eProcurement and contract management systems.

• Direct experience managing deployment and support activities for procurement systems.

• Ability to establish objectives, implement procedures, and develop methods to measure effectiveness of results obtained; prior supervisory experience.

• Ability to analyze situations, exercise independent judgment and recommend solutions to problems. Ability to prioritize and work on multiple comprehensive projects concurrently.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Exceptional organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.

• Knowledge and respect of policies and procedures outlined for the University of Illinois, OBFS, and department.

Working Conditions:

General office environment. Regular travel not expected but may occur occasionally around previously scheduled events. Requires work in a stationary position for extended periods of time and operation of computer and other office equipment.

Salary Range $105,000-$115,000, commensurate with experience.

For fullest consideration, please apply at jobs.uic.edu and include a letter of interest and current resume by July 17, 2024.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University's Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate's successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation