Procurement Category Manager

Sourcing Activities: Collaborate with representatives from across the university to administer sourcing activities to establish detailed requirements for complex, competitive procurements. Select appropriate procurement method based on departmental needs, lead-time, market conditions and regulations. Obtain/maintain sufficient understanding of technical subject matter. Use formal and informal solicitation methods, conduct Best and Final offers when appropriate. Issue purchase orders.Relationship Management: Work in a collaborative team environment, build consensus and lead multi-party negotiations. Act in a consultative role with departments by determining how Procurement and Payment Services can best support in achieving the department's goals by understanding their unique procurement needs, and developing sourcing plans and strategies that best meet those needs.Professional Knowledge and Development: Maintain expertise and create goals for professional development. Keep abreast of issues and changes in the procurement field by attending professional meetings, participating in procurement and category related organizations. Remain current with market trends through relationships with suppliers and market experts; identify and communicate new technologies and solutions to key problems within the assigned category.Spend Analytics: Benchmark contract pricing to determine the best source of supply, complying with laws and regulations. Provide reports for contract cost savings, goals and metrics. Identify new sources of supply based on spend analysis and engage new suppliers focusing on customer needs. Work with campus departments to drive spend to suppliers under contract using scorecard analysis.Supplier Relationship Management: Is responsible for Supplier Relationship and Portfolio Management which includes: working collaboratively with suppliers to identify and execute continuous cost and performance improvement strategies, identifying and resolving key supplier performance issues to ensure customer satisfaction, engaging with new suppliers, conducting spend analysis, determining special factors, risk analysis and developing strategies. Leads quarterly business reviews with key suppliers.Additional Duties: Maintain paperless file documentation online and in contract management tools, organizing and maintaining documentation pertinent to audit reviews, contract renewals, terminations and performance, solicitation protests and disputes, and supplier due datesOther related functions as assigned. Collaborate with other UT Austin colleagues to initiate and develop process improvements.Knowledge, Skills, AbilitiesDemonstrated working knowledge of accepted procurement and category management practices as applicable to higher education procurement or industry.Demonstrated experience motivating and managing cross-functional teams, as well as an ability to influence others without authority.Ability to assess market/business dynamics and negotiate agreements that result in meaningful business value.Experience writing and reviewing complex business contract agreements.Ability to perform in complex environments with multiple stakeholders.Acts with service mindset, always establishing and maintaining trust and respect.