The Senior Category Manager & Head of Sourcing Operations serves as a senior procurement leader responsible for developing and executing institution-wide sourcing strategies, policies, and operational improvements. Partnering closely with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, this role drives strategic sourcing initiatives that maximize value, mitigate risk, and enhance operational efficiency.
The position has direct oversight of Capital Projects, Facilities, Buildings, Construction, and related portfolios, ensuring sourcing execution aligns with institutional goals, financial stewardship, sustainability commitments, and diversity initiatives. This leader manages a sourcing team, strengthens supplier relationships, and advances best-in-class procurement and supplier management practices.
Translate executive procurement vision into actionable sourcing strategies and operational plans
Develop and execute short- and long-term category and supplier strategies aligned with institutional priorities
Lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and sustainability initiatives, tracking and reporting performance outcomes
Present strategic recommendations and updates to senior leadership
Support reporting on inflation, tariff risk, supply chain disruption, diversity metrics, and spend analysis
Partner with technology and data teams to optimize ERP systems and sourcing tools
Ensure adherence to procurement policies, risk management standards, and compliance requirements
Collaborate with finance teams on purchasing card programs, sourcing roles, and reporting
Lead and develop direct and indirect reports, providing coaching, mentorship, and succession planning
Develop sourcing strategies across capital projects, facilities, construction, and related categories
Align sourcing initiatives with budget and financial planning objectives
Oversee complex sourcing projects from intake through contract execution and supplier onboarding
Manage RFx processes, negotiations, bid evaluations, and contract development
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards
Benchmark supplier performance and validate value-for-money
Drive cost optimization, total cost of ownership improvements, and measurable ROI
Analyze performance metrics and implement process improvements
Develop supplier engagement strategies including preferred supplier programs and performance management frameworks
Ensure compliance with contracts and service-level agreements
Promote opportunities for diverse and local suppliers within sourcing processes
Address supplier performance gaps and implement corrective actions when needed
Education:
Bachelors degree in Business, Finance, or related field required; advanced degree or MBA preferred
Experience:
Minimum 10 years of sourcing or procurement experience, including at least 7 years in leadership roles
Demonstrated expertise in category management across construction, facilities, infrastructure, technology, or related portfolios
Proven track record managing large, complex projects with multiple stakeholders and delivering measurable performance improvements
Skills & Abilities:
Strong strategic sourcing and negotiation expertise
Demonstrated leadership and change management capabilities
Advanced supplier relationship management skills
Strong financial and business acumen
Excellent communication and presentation skills for senior leadership audiences
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainable sourcing practices