Director of Purchasing: UIC

UIC: OBFS - Director of Purchasing

10/3/2012

Duties/Responsibilities

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is seeking a highly experienced and innovative leader as the Director of Purchasing. The selected individual will be a key leader in a change management initiative designed to move the purchasing function from heavy reliance on transaction processing to strategic sourcing and electronic procurement initiatives to achieve costs savings while maintaining quality service.
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is the largest university in the Chicago area, with more than 27,000 students and 11,500 faculty and staff. As a top research university, UIC is a vital part of the educational, technological, health care and cultural fabric of the Chicago metropolitan area.
With a staff of 22, the Director of Purchasing provides campus-wide leadership for the Purchasing Department along with support of the 500 bed hospital and medical school campuses of Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria. Reporting to the Executive Assistant Vice President for Business and Finance (Chicago), the position is based in Chicago but requires travel to the Urbana and Springfield campuses to work with the other purchasing and payables directors. Additional responsibilities include:

1. Manage overall procurement activities at UIC.
2. Participate in a University-wide procurement effort designed to save the University a minimum of $30 million annually by increasing spend under management through the use of strategic contracts, minimizing the number of low-value transactions, standardizing procurement processes and making better use of technology.
3. In conjunction with the other University Purchasing and Payables Directors, assist in the continuing implementation and management of University-wide e-procurement solutions.
4. Assist in the development and execution of a University-wide strategic sourcing plan.
5. Assure that all procurement activities for the University are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, policies, guidelines, and procedures.
6. Provide regular training and instruction to campus personnel who originate, process, or complete procurement actions.
   
7. Direct the activities of the campus supplier diversity program in conjunction with campus and University-wide leadership.
   
8. Represent the University in outside activities involving the procurement function, such as meetings with peers at other institutions and state-level procurement officials.
9. Evaluate and respond to proposed procurement-related legislation and rules.
10. Monitor campus purchasing performance through standard management reports and analyses and recommend changes in departmental practices, as necessary.
11. Monitor internal departmental performance through standard management reports, analyses, data and information.
    
12. Mentor and develop staff for future leadership positions.

Knowledge/Experience

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, economics, finance or related area; Master’s degree and/or professional certifications such as CPPO or CPSM preferred. Other required qualifications include: minimum of seven years of management experience in administering the purchasing or business activity of a University or a similarly complex organization; strong written and oral communication skills; and dynamic, collegial, consensus-building leadership style.
Preferred Qualifications:
Understanding of Illinois procurement laws; demonstrated knowledge and experience with SciQuest in a higher education setting; experience in a hospital setting, including purchase of medical supplies/equipment/services; experience in process reengineering or continuous improvement; and the demonstrated ability to use technology to create efficiencies.
This is a full-time, 12-month Academic Professional position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. For full consideration, candidates must submit a letter of interest, resume, and salary history in confidence by October 31, 2012, to:

Jeffrey Harris, Managing Partner, Harris Search Associates
jeff@harrisandassociates.com
www.harrisandassociates.com
www.iicpartners.com
614-798-8500 ext. 125

The University of Illinois is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity and diversity. University Administration welcomes applications from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, sexual minority groups and other candidates who will lead and contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives.