This position assists with directing/managing the procurement processes and data analysis activities within the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Purchasing and Contract Management Department to ensure operational needs are met and conducted 1) in compliance with University guidelines/regulations and established departmental policies/procedures; and 2) in support of customer service goals. The AD of Process and Data Analytics provides leadership, training and supervision for UIC Purchasing staff in the areas of purchasing processes, workflows, databases and analytical tools necessary to effectively process campus procurements, and manage and measure purchasing performance and compliance.

• Manages campus-wide Purchasing operations focused on procurement processes and the data necessary to effectively manage and measure Purchasing performance and compliance. Defines and recommends standardized procurement processes and workflows; provides necessary guidance for Purchasing and University customers to comply with procurement laws, regulations and policies; and utilizes data from the various purchasing and University systems to identify and inform management about purchasing and contracting activity, status and related matters. Supervises Purchasing staff in support of such operations. 

• Provides purchasing guidance and consultation to Purchasing team and client departments regarding complex procurement and contractual issues. Interprets and administers State and University procurement regulations, rules and policies. 

• Develops documents, standardized forms, and instructional and meaningful policies and tools to support the procurement and evaluation of the University’s purchasing needs and projects. 

• Extracts information from the various purchasing systems, databases and software applications in use to prepare complex reports to senior management and as required to monitor purchasing activities, staff productivity, and recommend process changes. 

• Consults with departmental officials/staff to: identify procurement needs; assign and prioritize procurement activities to distinguish areas of specialty, meet critical deadlines and competing priorities to ensure that University and critical departmental tasks and needs are met; address and resolve related procurement issues in a timely manner; and develop and foster working relationships that promote enhancement of Purchasing Division operations 

• Serves as a liaison with University Counsel, contractors, department/units, and executive management for procurement activities. 

• Directs efforts, project plans, and staffing resources in special projects related to University Purchasing strategic goals and initiatives. Acts as adjunct resource to the procurement staff engaged in procurement, contract administration or negotiation work, serving as subject matter expert to internal and external customers during solicitation through contracting processes. 

• Develops and delivers training and presentations on procurement and contracting topics. Advises staff and client departments regarding procurement and contracting processes and procedures to ensure compliance with established State, University and departmental guidelines and regulations, and to promote consistency in applying acceptable procurement practices within daily operations. 

• Responsible for administering other human resource activities related to job performance including: conducting performance appraisals; addressing work-performance issues; and participating in salary decisions that recognize staff contributions to the overall success of operations and services. 

• Serves on University, campus, and departmental committees/teams as assigned. 

• Participates in developing and implementing effective strategies related to section activities that successfully integrate departmental and section short- and long-term objectives and goals and ensure that available resources are being effectively maximized. 

• Gathers data and information from various systems to develop and prepare productivity reports for administrative review that include analysis of decision-making activities that redefine established goals, and provides recommendations to improve overall operations and services. 

• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field preferred. 

Minimum of seven years of experience in procurement or related field, public procurement experience preferred, at least two years in a management role. 

Considerable hands-on knowledge of procurement processes and requirements, State laws and University procedures related to procurement, contract development and legal aspects of contracts, or similar complex rules and regulations. 

Strong interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various stakeholders, including but not limited to university departments/units, contractors, public entities, state procurement officers, University Legal Counsel, and others to effectively resolve issues; demonstrate good customer service skills. 

Proficiency in developing processes, defining metrics, capturing and organizing data and providing reports to management relating to procurement activities. 

Experience in financial analysis and audit matters including interfacing with and responding to internal and external audits, FOIA requests, bid protests, and resolution of conflicts of interest. 

Ability to establish objectives, implement procedures, and develop methods to measure effectiveness of results obtained; ability to supervise. 

Ability to analyze situations, work with and render advice and assistance to staff, customers and vendors in resolving procurement matters and recommend solutions to problems. 

Ability to prioritize and work on multiple comprehensive projects concurrently. 

Excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills. 

Ability to lead, participate in and constructively contribute to a team environment. 

Exceptional organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail. 

Proficiency with office information systems such as Word, Excel, Outlook and Adobe, as well as web applications. 

Considerable knowledge and proficiency with enterprise-wide procurement and contracts systems. 

Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment in handling complex issues; demonstrated strong organizational and multi-tasking capability to prioritize and work on multiple projects concurrently. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Business or Master’s in Public Administration, or Juris Doctor (JD) or similar area. 

Certified Professional Purchasing Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or similar designation preferred; or will be required to obtain certification within a reasonable period after starting this position. 

Knowledge and proficiency with Jaggaer eProcurement systems and ERP (preferably Banner) systems. 

Experience working in a university or public sector organization following the State of Illinois procurement code, or where knowledge of public procurement and contracting and related regulatory requirements is required.

For fullest consideration, please apply at https://jobs.uic.edu and include a letter of interest, current resume and the contact information for up to three professional references by 05/16/2022. Please make sure to fully complete the application and also please include all applicable documentation i.e., resume, transcripts, licenses, and certifications. 

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, Veteran or disability status. Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre[1]employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, Visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx? portalId=4292&pageId=1411899.