Category Manager

Purchasing Services is responsible for the entire procure-to-pay lifecycle for the entire University of Minnesota system (Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester, and Twin Cities). This includes establishing institutional purchasing and payables policies and procedures; negotiating University-Wide agreements with suppliers for a variety of goods and services; managing the University’s eProcurement tool (U Market); ensuring compliance with federal and state procurement laws; and assisting departments with complex procurement processes.

The Purchasing Services department seeks a Category Manager motivated to learn and share their talents and experiences with fellow team members. This position handles various indirect buying activities of technology and professional services for University departments, following public procurement rules. You will be part of a sourcing team that supports a world-class public institution committed to its mission and a collaborative work environment.

• Identify opportunities for University-wide and/or multi-campus contracts.
• Assist and lead the development of RFP/RFQ/RFIs.
• Manage and lead the evaluation of supplier proposals and participate in/lead supplier selection.
• Negotiate price, terms, and conditions for goods and/or services.
• Research and implement new sourcing and procurement strategies to improve University procurement.
• Assist with supplier enablement and catalog development in U Market.
• Support the University’s Targeted Business (TGB) program by ensuring small, women, and minority-owned businesses are included in sourcing events.

• Interpret contract terms and conditions.
• Negotiate and draft contract amendments and renewals.
• Resolve contract disputes and performance issues with suppliers.
• Ensure contracts are properly executed and stored in the University’s contract repository.
• Monitor supplier performance against contract requirements and service level agreements.

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to University departments regarding procurement policies and procedures.
• Present to various University groups on procurement-related topics.
• Assist departments in the use of procurement systems (People Soft, U Market, etc.).
• Act as a liaison between University departments and suppliers.

• Participate in professional development opportunities and maintain knowledge of current procurement trends and best practices.
• Attend department and University meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least five years of related work experience OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal nine years.
• Experience in public sector or higher education procurement.
• Experience in conducting public bidding processes (RFP, RFQ, RFI).
• Experience in negotiating and managing complex contracts.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to give presentations to various groups.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret financial data.
• Ability to work independently and manage many duties simultaneously.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Google Suite, and Adobe Acrobat.

This position is based in the Twin Cities with a hybrid work schedule.

SALARY RANGE: $85,000 - $97,000 annually

For a full job description, click "Apply" to visit the UMN career site.

• Thirteen paid vacation days per year (starting accrual rate), in addition to 13 paid sick days and 11 paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities cover 75% - 100% of eligible tuition.
• Excellent and affordable health care benefits.
• Wellbeing Program (reduction in annual premiums).
• Yearly merit increase program.
• Many professional development opportunities.
• for more information: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-M