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Position Summary:

The Category Manager is responsible for the development of the category sourcing strategy to identify, select, and contract with suppliers that meet the university’s requirements for quality, cost, performance, and compliance. The Category Manager leads the data-driven category strategy development, identifying opportunities for cost savings, process efficiencies, enhanced customer service and risk mitigation tactics. The Category Manager leads the management of Requests for Proposals (RFP), key supplier negotiations, supplier performance and contract deployment for the University.

In executing the approved sourcing strategies, the Category Manager is the primary interface between university stakeholders and suppliers for procurement contract development, negotiation and support including but not limited to Chief Business Officers and other Senior Executives.

The Category Manager may be required to supervise, and mentor Buyers and Assistant Category Managers. The Category Manager provides leadership, coaching, and project / process support to meet all performance, operational and personnel objectives. The Category Manager works collaboratively with the Buyers and Assistant Category Managers to proactively engage in sourcing projects, ensure contract utilization, and support ongoing supplier performance management. The Category Manager also works closely with the Strategic Sourcing Analyst to develop data-driven category strategies and identify departmental savings opportunities.

As a member of the Procurement team, the Category Manager facilitates and maintains strong, collaborative relationships with Vanderbilt’s faculty, staff, and students and identifies additional ways to be of service. The Category Manager is also responsible for developing and maintaining supplier relationships. This position contributes to the success of a high-performing Procurement organization by helping to champion and drive the full procure-to-pay process.

About the Work Unit:

The Procurement team serves as the single point of contact for all centralized supplier information management, procurement, and travel at the university, setting the overall strategy for Vanderbilt University’s purchases. Procurement includes resources that facilitate sourcing, contracting, ordering and purchase order processing, and the university’s managed travel program.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Develops and documents data-driven category (and subcategory) strategies aligned with the University vision, strategic initiatives, and principles.

• Partners with the University stakeholders to develop, implement and manage category strategies, incorporating, sustainability, inclusivity, and innovative sourcing solutions.

• Analyzes spend data to determine pricing inconsistencies, savings opportunities, and consolidation and demand management opportunities.

• Tracks trends in the marketplace and actively monitors price indices applicable to category areas, identifies new sources of supply and engages with potential and existing suppliers.

• Establishes master agreements, negotiates contracts, develops Requests for Proposals, develops minority and local business plans, coordinates and collaborates with suppliers to request price quotes and proposals for goods and services in line with category strategies.

• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms and pricing agreements while maintaining quality standards taking into account Vanderbilt policies and customer requirements.

• Executes contracts, master agreements, etc. within signature authority limits.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their procurement needs and requirements, partnering throughout the procurement process.

• Develops an eProcurement strategy for respective category areas and works closely with supplier to enable contracted suppliers in the eProcurement system.

• Measures and manages supplier performance relative to contracted service levels. Identifies and resolves supplier performance issues.

• Monitor market trends, industry developments, and regulatory changes to identify potential risks and opportunities in the supply chain. Develop and maintain risk mitigation plans inclusive of proactive risk identification and risk prevention, mitigation, and compliance with stakeholders.

• Collaborates in the development of effective and efficient procurement policies and procedures.

• Seeks opportunities for continuing process improvement in terms of processes and capabilities within this role and within the Finance group overall. Performs special projects and analyses as assigned.

• Reviews and authorizes assigned purchase orders in accordance with departmental needs, best procurement practices and university policy.

• Oversees day-to-day effectiveness processing purchase orders, resolving invoice holds and warranty disputes with customers and suppliers.

• Implement best practices and processes to optimize procurement efficiency, including the use of technology and automation tools where applicable.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position reports to the Chief Procurement Officer.

Education and Certifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.

• A Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in Business Administration, Finance, Engineering or Supply Chain Management preferred.

• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or other purchasing professional certification is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• 5-7 years of strategic sourcing and category management experience.

• Experience with power management and power monitoring systems.

• Proven skill in attention to detail and a highly organized work style in collaboration with effective written and verbal communication skills is necessary.

• Experience practicing best-in-class procurement processes (category management, benchmarking, should-cost models, RFX, reverse auction, contracting, etc.) is necessary.

• Ability to draft and negotiate complex contracts within facilities and construction with solid working knowledge of procurement contract law is necessary.

• High degree of technical and soft skill proficiency with ability to independently execute with minimal guidance, is necessary; and ability to fully execute independently and coach others is preferred.

• Experience in leading Request for Proposal (RFP) projects and conducting competitive bidding is necessary.

• Strong track record to simplify and solve complex problems, processes or projects into component parts and then explore and evaluate them systematically. Ability to understand commercial imperatives and trading relationships is necessary.

• Strong quantitative, financial, and qualitative analytical skills paired with hands-on attitude, excellent attention to detail, and good business judgment. Familiarity with supply chain, operational, cost, and financial analysis is necessary.

• Experience developing tools, reports, process maps, scorecards, and data visualizations that improve upon those currently employed for understanding the business and making decisions is necessary.

• Ability to analyze large amounts of data and distill it into an Executive level presentation is necessary.

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people understanding their needs and goals is necessary.

• Ability to work co-operatively with others as part of a team and work separately is necessary.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders is necessary.

• Openness to change, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a variety of situations, individuals or groups is necessary.

• Ability to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue is necessary.

• Ability to challenge systems, processes and people that block collaboration; connects people, ideas, processes and issues, sets an example by sharing resources; knowledge, ideas, and skills across the organization, builds helpful, productive relationships across the organization is necessary.

• Ability to utilize creativity to foster imagination, creativity, and experimentation, takes and promotes considered risks, celebrates creative successes, and learns from failure, shows openness to alternative ways of doing things is necessary.

• Substantial relevant experience in a complex organization, with a strong procurement and payables background is preferred.

• Ability to effectively communicate complex problems or projects is necessary.

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-past environment is necessary.

• Experience working with eProcurement platforms is preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.