Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Position Information

Classification Title Materials Management Professional FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience managing complex Sourcing events.

Higher education and/or public sector procurement experience

Position Summary

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist plays a critical role in achieving the University's tripartite mission of teaching, research, and public service. As a member of the Finance and Administration team, the Strategic Sourcing Specialist plays a key role in delivering exceptional service and stewardship of the University's financial, human and physical resources.

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist works with Procurement leadership to identify and lead University wide strategic sourcing initiatives. The Specialist will play a critical role in creating tangible value for the University by creating effective supply strategies (in partnership with campus stakeholders), creating best-in-class supplier agreements, and increasing the effectiveness of the University's procurement operations.

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist collaborates with campus customers, leaders within the University and throughout the State of Georgia, and the supplier community to acquire the supplies, equipment, and services needed by the University. The Strategic Sourcing Specialist is responsible for spearheading solicitation efforts for acquisitions identified as strategic priorities, exceptionally complex, or utilizing leading edge solicitation methods. Performance of these duties requires extensive knowledge of State, Regents, and University purchasing policy and procedure.

To be successful the Strategic Sourcing Specialist will possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills with highly developed analytical and problem solving skills. The Specialist must be comfortable dealing with ambiguity, using data to inform decisions and leading change. The Specialist will manage their time well, respond adeptly to changes or urgent situations and make well informed independent decisions.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Attends classes and passes the relevant State Purchasing exams as needed by State Purchasing to earn a Georgia Certified Purchasing Associate (GCPA) certification within 8 months of hire date and within 12 months of hire earns their RFP Certification from State Purchasing.

• Additionally, the Sr. Procurement Specialist must maintain their GCPA, as needed by the State Purchasing Division.

Physical Demands

• Stand, sit, bend, type, and communicate via telephone and email.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Develops Strategic Sourcing Strategies:

• In collaboration with the Procurement leadership team and campus stakeholders, develops and prioritizes strategic sourcing opportunities that meet the needs of the University while producing best-in-class supplier contracts.

• Analyzes spend by commodity using appropriate business metrics. Identifies strategies to address new opportunities or respond to changing University business needs.

• Utilizes online administrative tools to research purchase spend, usage activity and other pertinent trends.

• Develops and maintains an awareness of broader marketplace factors that may impact the University for select commodities.

• Prepares supporting spreadsheets, comparisons, recommendations and justifications for Procurement leadership to review.

Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities

Executes Complex Solicitations:

• Performs complex and/or high dollar value solicitations in following Federal, State, Board of Regents and University requirements. Solicitations include, but are not limited to: Request for Quotes (RFQs), Request for Proposals (RFPs), complex supply and maintenance contracts, lease agreements, and revenue generating contracts.

• Develops specifications in coordination with campus stakeholders and ensures specifications are adequate, not unduly restrictive, properly describe the product or service being purchased, include any special requirements (EX: FERPA, HIPAA, PCI), and meet the University's needs.

• Prepares solicitation documents, drafts evaluation formats and manages technical evaluation teams.

• Creates and manages solicitations in the electronic sourcing platform following established guidelines.

• Completes administrative review and analyzes responses from suppliers.

• Negotiates terms and conditions and executes contractual documents.

• Develops and monitors Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of sourcing initiatives and ensure that savings targets and performance metrics are met.

Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities

Supports Strategic Priorities:

• Acts as a key resource supporting initiatives that promote department or University-level strategic priorities.

• Supports and/or leads initiatives that improve the sustainability of the University's supply solutions.

• Works to grow the number of diverse suppliers utilized by the University.

• Promotes continuous process improvement and innovation to simplify the procurement of goods and services, increase value, and/or enhance compliance.

• Develops internal policies and/or tools necessary to implement or enable strategic sourcing initiatives.

Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities

Builds Effective Relationships:

• Demonstrates the strong leadership and consensus-building skills needed to generate support for strategic sourcing priorities. Builds credibility and influence with key stakeholders on campus.

• Effectively communicates and promotes strategic sourcing opportunities to generate support.

• Anticipates and addresses potential concerns while highlighting potential benefits.

• Proactively engages with campus partners to build positive working relationships to become a trusted advisor and promote a positive perception of the Procurement Department.

• Manages difficult conversations and conflict effectively. Addresses issues with poise and tact while remaining positive and solution-oriented.

• Works proactively with others to achieve optimal outcomes for the University through effective outreach, education and consensus building activities, including surveys and focus groups.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

Advances Organizational Capability:

• Acts as a resource to other Procurement staff by delivering solutions and insights that improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Procurement.

• Provides solutions that simplify or streamline procurement processes.

• Improves Procurement's capacity to address the University's emerging needs proactively.

• Provides personal development opportunities to staff. Examples may include partnering on strategic initiatives, offering advice on complex solicitations or leveraging Specialist's relationships to address issues.

• Provides advice or insight on policy-related matters.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Bob Currey Recruitment Contact Email bob.currey@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you have a bachelor's degree?

• Yes

• No

• How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?

• 0-1

• 1-3

• 3-5

• 5-7

• 7+

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter

• List of References with Contact Information

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.