Position Summary:

Reporting to the Category Manager or Strategic Sourcing Manager, the Strategic Sourcing Specialist is responsible for procuring materials, equipment, supplies and services of a specialized or complex nature in accordance with prescribed procurement policies and procedures. Will lead or provide sourcing support and prepare bid specifications, issue bid requests, review quotations, and lead or support contracting execution.

Essential Functions:

• Guide identification and selection of suppliers to procure goods and services, meeting criteria such as price, quantity, quality, and delivery date as well as place orders.
• Assist campuses as needed to manage at least one multi-procurement project (i.e., commencement and other events that require several contracts and/or bids).  Act as single point-of-contact for developing this portfolio and helping the campus project manage it.
• Identify requesting functions’ requirements and develop and refine specifications for goods and services.
• Interpret and communicate Procurement policies and procedures to stakeholders and lead sourcing efforts.  Assist a category manager or Sr. Sourcing Specialist in writing specs for, or assisting in delivery of, specific process improvements related to UMass sourcing, such as BuyWays/Jaggaer forms & reporting, or job aids and manuals for sourcing. 
• Write and distribute complex and technical bid invitations or requests for proposals; receive and analyze bids, quotes, and proposals, and award contracts.
• Resolve Procurement problems between function and supplier.
• Lead or support routine supplier business reviews, evaluating supplier performance and compliance.

Other Functions/Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as required

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 3  years of professional experience directly related to purchasing, strategic sourcing, or category management

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in an institution of higher education
• Experience with People Soft
• Knowledge of Procurement practices and procedures
• Knowledge of various categories in goods and services
• Skilled in preparing and analyzing complex technical specifications and bids
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Experience in Change Management
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships

Working Conditions:

• Typical office environment
• Must be able to travel occasionally to all UMass campuses and the Boston central office

Additional information:

Salary commensurate with experience up to $75,000.