Overview

Job Location:
Waltham, MA

Job Description Summary

The Associate Director of Procurement is responsible for managing the procurement activities at Bentley University in collaboration with the procurement team. This role involves developing and implementing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, sourcing, and ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures. The Associate Director will work closely with various departments to meet their procurement needs and support the university’s operational goals.

The Associate Director of Procurement serves as a business liaison between internal constituents and outside suppliers and contractors. The Associate Director manages projects, conducts bid processes, manages contracts and facilitates transactions on behalf of the internal customer base.

This role supervises the Senior Procurement and Insurance Analyst, collaborates with the Executive Director and Associate Vice President to maximize departmental productivity and acts on the Executive Director’s behalf in their absence. Conducts bid processes; writes specifications, sources, solicits proposals, analyzes cost/benefit, recommends vendor selection and oversees implementation. Analyzes needs, assess, select and implement pertinent systems solutions.

The Associate Director manages complex projects of varying timelines, including needs assessment, RFP development, bid solicitation, recommendation for vendor selection and facilitation through completion.

This role manages major campus-wide contracts including vendor relations, cost containment, revenue reporting, identifying changing needs, monitoring compliance and acting as liaison to campus departments and manages contract budgets.

The Associate Director manages the Corporate Credit Card program and is responsible for authorizations, credit increases, managing the annual review and audit processes, provides card training and issuance, as well as the day-to-day management of the program.

The incumbent provides progressive training, manages capital purchases, determines budget estimates, recommends policy and procedure enhancements, and ensures compliance.

Essential Duties

  • Develop and implement procurement strategies to optimize the use of university funds.
  • Manage supplier relationships, including negotiating contracts and ensuring supplier performance.
  • Source and maintain preferred suppliers while monitoring, sourcing, and growing our diverse supplier spend and reach.
  • Manage Procurement tools, primarily Workday Procurement module, inclusive of daily requisition processing and sourcing, daily updating of databases, working knowledge of our Contract Management tool, and production of daily reporting.
  • Oversee the procurement process, including the development of requests for proposals (RFPs), bid evaluation, and contract award.
  • Ensure compliance with university policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their procurement needs and provide effective solutions.
  • Monitor and analyze procurement data to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
  • Provide guidance and support to the Senior Procurement and Insurance Analyst, including training and performance management.
  • Represent the procurement department in meetings and committees as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 4-5 years of experience in procurement or related field, OR a high school diploma plus a minimum of 7 years of directly related experience.
  • At least 2 years of supervisory experience.
  • Strong knowledge of procurement principles, practices, and regulations.
  • Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
  • Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field preferred.
  • Prior experience with Workday platform, MyCOI, and other relevant electronic tools.
  • Professional certification in procurement (e.g., CPM, CPSM).
  • Experience in higher education procurement.
  • Familiarity with risk management and management of insurance portfolios a plus.

Work Environment

  • This position is based on the Bentley University campus in Waltham, MA.
  • Ability to traverse stairs.
  • Occasional travel may be required for supplier meetings and conferences.

Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.