Founded in 1948, Brandeis University is named for the late Louis Dembitz Brandeis, the distinguished associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, and reflects the ideals of academic excellence and social justice he personified. In 1985, Brandeis was elected to membership in the Association of American Universities, which represents the 62 leading research universities in the United States and Canada. Brandeis has been ranked among the top 35 national universities by U.S. News & World Report every year since its inception. It is 34th in the 2011 rankings.

Procurement Services at Brandeis University is looking for a Director. The Director of Procurement and Strategic Sourcing is an experienced professional with a full understanding of supply chain processes and procedures. S/he is responsible for the direction of the purchasing function to achieve cost, quality and service goals as well as the development of best in class processes and e-procurement to drive cost, quality and service goals achievement. S/he will work across functional boundaries to ensure that material and service requirements are met in a timely, efficient, effective and ethical manner.

• 10 plus years of progressively responsible professional experience in purchasing, procurement or supply chain management with a focus on strategic sourcing. Must have demonstrated strong negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of trends in e-procurement and e-sourcing technology.
• Demonstrated experience working as a team leader in a collaborative environment. Ability to build consensus and effectively communicate with a wide variety of audiences including university faculty, staff, senior management and vendors.
• Demonstrated experience with total cost modeling and related financial analytical techniques.
• Demonstrated record of procurement performance improvement with emphasis on quality, cost and service.
• Strong time management and planning skills to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong supervisory and management skills – ability to set goals and monitor performance.

Visit the Brandeis University Human Resources website to apply and for additional information: brandeis.edu/humanresources/jobs/external.html

Connecticut College is a highly selective, private, coeducational liberal arts college located in southern New England overlooking Long Island Sound and the Thames River in the historic seaport of New London, Connecticut. Founded in 1911, the College enrolls 1900 men and women from 42 states and 70 countries. The 750-acre campus is an arboretum, and is supported by a staff and faculty of more than 800. The southeastern Connecticut area offers a rare combination of affordable living and natural, unspoiled beauty with convenient access to Providence, Boston and New York City.

Connecticut College is committed to creating a vibrant community enriched by diverse perspectives, talents and experiences. We encourage applications from candidates who share this commitment and will contribute to the diversity of our college community, especially members of historically under-represented groups. AA/EOE

CONNECTICUT COLLEGE, a highly selective private liberal arts college, located in the historic seaport of New London, seeks a highly accomplished and experienced Director of Purchasing. S/he will be responsible for oversight of the procurement of goods and services and the corporate credit card program for the college. S/he will be responsible for establishing policies and procedures for this newly created position in order to coordinate decentralized procurement activities.

Responsibilities will include: oversight of the procurement of goods and services and the corporate credit card program for the college; ensure ethical and competitive transactions through the request for price quote proposals with the confines of approved budgets and service level requirements; work with new and existing vendors to obtain the best pricing, quality and service for the College through negotiated discounts/contracts; provide training to and develop relationships with the College community to ensure procurement activities are executed in accordance with College policies and best practices. S/he will oversee and maintain the Requisition/Purchase Order module within the Banner Finance system and other procurement related systems. S/he will serve as a resource to senior management in matters related to purchasing policies/procedures, expense reduction initiatives, value analysis and contract negotiation. Must be able to work across functional boundaries to ensure a high level of customer service and satisfaction.

Overview of Additional Functions:

• Establish and implement short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; monitor and evaluate programmatic and operational effectiveness, and effect changes required for improvement, with the focus on procurement as a strategic, value-driving component of the College.
• Review major procurement contracts; coordinates contract compliance, change orders, and problem resolution in conformance with contract law.
• Act as negotiator between the College and vendors/suppliers on procurement contracts; making recommendations designed to reduce costs, update systems, and provide environmentally approved materials and services.
• Develop and manage annual purchasing budget for the organization and performs periodic cost and productivity analyses (quarterly); identifies and executes sourcing opportunities; builds and implements standard strategic sourcing tools and processes.
• Oversee and maintain the Requisition/Purchase Order module within the Banner Finance system including coordination of upgrade testing/implementation in conjunction with Functional Technical Lead. Evaluate and implement new technologies that move the College to electronically based procurement processes. Work closely with the Assistant Controller-Operations and Accounts Payable Specialist to develop the purchasing/p-card areas of the Banner Finance user training. Monitor requisition/purchase order activity and open/close/change as necessary. Monitor Banner Finance requisition/purchase order approval queues to ensure appropriate authorizations and processing.

Bachelor’s degree in business or related degree and a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing and sourcing required. MSOffice experience required with experience in Sungard Banner a plus. Experience with contract review and negotiation; strong written and oral communications skills, knowledge of accounts payable interface and general ledger accounting. Must have the ability to interact well with a variety of people including senior management and have the insight to identify processes requiring improvement and provide recommendations for solutions.

Forward resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references to humanresources@conncoll.edu (include: PURCHDIR and your full name in the subject line). Accepting applications until 5:00 pm on 02/03/2012. Thorough applicant credentialing, including criminal records check will be conducted on the selected applicant.

Located in historic Troy, NY – part of upstate New York State’s Capital Region, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is one of the top 50 national universities in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 ranking of the “Best Colleges” in the country.

The Division of Administration at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has an opportunity for an experienced leader in procurement services as a Director of Procurement Services in Troy, NY. The Director of Procurement Services is the Institute's chief procurement officer responsible for acquiring all materials, services, supplies, and equipment across the campus.

This leadership position directs and leads the Institute's central procurement operations, management of the strategic sourcing team, and supervision of the administrative staff, all in support of the Institute-wide strategic procurement function. Under the direction of the Assistant Vice President for Administration, the Director of PS provides direction and control of the management of the Institute's comprehensive and coordinated program of procurement, inventory, warehousing, and materials control. The Director, in collaboration with the Director of e-Business and the Director of Disbursements, shares responsibility for the Institute's successful e-business processes.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or equivalent and ten (10) years of related and progressively responsible work experience in procurement and sourcing.

The successful candidate be able to effectively interact with a diverse group of constituents both internal and external to the Institute. Strong diplomatic skills, which facilitates influencing decisions of others throughout the Institute is essential. Must have the ability to effectively supervise staff, possess a high energy level and be responsive to change. The incumbent requires knowledge of State and Federal procurement regulations, negotiation skills, and analytical mindset. Proficiency with personal computers and use of Microsoft Office products is necessary. Experience using SciQuest/Banner/ERP software is preferred.

Prior experience in a purchasing leadership role in higher education is highly desirable.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://rpijobs.rpi.edu and reference job #20110252.

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse intellectual, geographical, gender and ethnic perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Located in historic Troy, NY – part of upstate New York State’s Capital Region, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is one of the top 50 national universities in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 ranking of the “Best Colleges” in the country.

The Division of Finance at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has an opportunity for an experienced procurement and disbursement professional to join the Controller’s Office as a Director of e-Business in Troy, NY. The Director of e-Business is responsible for leading and directing the e-Business technologies that allow Rensselaer to implement and maintain a comprehensive and coordinated procure-to-pay cycle and disbursement processing systems for the campus community. The Director plans and leads the Institute-wide initiative to adopt and utilize e-Business technologies (both procurement and disbursement systems).

The Director manages a balance between internal operations and strategic supplier relationships which mitigates risk to the Institute through adequate operational controls and audits. This campus leader, working under the shared leadership of the Assistant Vice President for Administration and the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Controller, will determine the most effective implementation strategy and communicate such to campus users.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in computer science, system analysis, or a related discipline 10 years of related and progressively responsible experience in developing and implementing e-Business technologies and tools. A proven track record of successfully developing and implementing e-business solutions is essential.

The successful candidate will have an extensive knowledge of major ERP software and other related e-Business software and tools, and a strong understanding and knowledge of procurement and disbursement regulations. A highly analytical, creative problem solver with ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment, and manage technology projects and initiatives is required. Must possess a high energy level and be responsive to change.

The incumbent requires excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interface effectively with all Institute constituencies and management levels, strong leadership and strategic planning skills, and must be able to analyze problems and issues involving significant planning and resource commitments. The ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet established goals and objectives is necessary.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://rpijobs.rpi.edu and reference job #20110249.

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse intellectual, geographical, gender and ethnic perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Emerson College values and has placed an institutional priority on multiculturalism in the campus community. Through its constantly evolving curriculum it seeks to prepare students for success in an increasingly multicultural society. The successful candidate must have the ability to work effectively with faculty, students, and staff from diverse backgrounds. Members of historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. This is a smoke-free workplace.

Oversee procedures including, but not limited to Sungard banner system for procurement, electronic commerce and procurement card. Assist in negotiating contracts ensuring favorable pricing and terms. Ability to write and execute robust request for price quote documents for commodities as computers, photographic, television and radio equipment. Report to the Assistant Director of Purchasing and Risk Management. Research, coordinate, plan, develop, write and implement new (and revised) purchasing methods, procedures and policies that increase efficiency and improve performance of procurement functions, and which provide departments with highest practicable levels of service. Special emphasis should be placed on the use of electronic commerce and other methods that may help reduce the flow of paper. Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in developing, implement and amend purchasing systems, procedures, directives, guides and forms that improve internal and external purchasing function techniques and operations.
• Assist in the implementation of the procurement/travel card program. Make recommendations for improvements to the system to increase usage and to streamline our processes.
• Develop and oversee all Procurement reporting requirements. Work with the Director to develop and maintain reports essential to the management of the department utilizing knowledge and understanding of Sungard banner system. Where appropriate, train Procurement personnel in the creation and execution of these reports. Track and manage compliance with college contracts.
• Oversee and develop new request for price quote bid documents.
• Act as project manager for special projects assigned by the Director.
• Identify operational problems and deficiencies of any nature, resolve those within the limits of authority and degree of sensitivity, and recommend solutions for problems beyond the limits of authority to appropriate management levels.
• Provide assistance to seek out and secures cost savings through negotiations, competitive bidding, suitable substitution, new vendor sources etc. Assist in the building and maintaining strong college–to- business relationships with key preferred suppliers.
• Assist in the maintenance of the Purchasing webpage updating the contracts when necessary.
• Assist the Director in communication of departmental initiatives, inquires and general information to senior management and departmental staff.
• Direct staff in the development of training materials, informal classes and use of tools related to Purchasing policies and procedures, requisition processes, and the purchasing card processes to improve communications with the community knowledge base in order to enhance a self service approach to Procurement.
• Assist the Director in building a database of minority vendors through the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council.
• Assist the Director with administrative functions by preparing correspondence, conducting studies, preparing statistical reports and analysis, developing and giving written, verbal and visual presentations, and handling other speaking engagements.
• Assist the Director in occasionally representing the college with outside sources of supply, other educational institutions and professional associations such as the National Association of Education Procurement and the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business is preferred or an educational equivalent.
• Five or more years of broad purchasing experience; very strong administrative, negotiating and communications skills
• Positive leadership qualities; and strong computer literacy is required.
• Experience with and knowledge of the Sungard Banner system is preferred but experience with other financial systems will be considered.
• Certification as Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is desired, or working toward certification is highly desirable.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Education SUPERVISION RECEIVED Reports to and receives direction from the Assistant Director of Procurement. CONTACTS REQUIRED TO PERFORM DUTIES Assist with ongoing contact with senior/middle management, department personnel of all levels, and other educational institutions and outside sources of supply.

Please visit www.emerson.edu/jobs and apply

The Procurement Services Department at the University of Connecticut is seeking applications for two Strategic Sourcing Specialist positions. With these two positions, the University seeks areas of expertise; one focusing on strategic sourcing with IT Hardware, Software and Consulting and the other focusing on the support of Academic Research and Business Services. Primary responsibilities for both positions include but are not limited to: developing, implementing and monitoring sourcing strategies for key spend categories focusing on cost reduction, improving product/service quality and enhancing vendor performance. Provide assistance to stakeholders with acquisition strategies, procurement options and contributes to the vendor selection and negotiation processes to determine total cost of ownership with achieving optimum product quality, service and ultimate delivery. Monitors and tracks vendor performance through periodic financial reviews, product performance, customer satisfaction surveys, discrepancies, damage claims and contract compliance. Acts as a liaison between vendor and customer to protect and/or enhance the integrity of the Procurement Services Department and the University. Serves as a resource regarding procurement procedures, sourcing time requirements, products and services, and administrative requirements for procurement of goods and services within assigned categories.

Minimum qualifications are a Bachelor's degree, preferably in business or discipline appropriate to identified sourcing/ buying teams, and/or four (4) years professional experience in a comparable institutional environment or equivalent combination of education and experience; Knowledge of contract law, Uniform Commercial Code, accounting, finance and marketing as they relate to procurement, supply chain management in accordance with federal and state statutes; a thorough working technical knowledge and/or understanding of procurement practices; the ability to assess and manage University needs, communicate those needs to the vendor community, evaluate products and services to determine technical compliance and resolve discrepancies; exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills needed to analyze business trends; knowledge and use of analytical tools and processes; strong leadership skills, supervisory skills, communication/interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, strong oral and written communication skills; flexibility and ability to work within a dual reporting or matrix organization; and a demonstrated computer literacy in business analytics, databases, eProcurement, contract management and financial systems, and MS applications. Preferred qualifications are a Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Law Degree or other related advanced degree; and/or at least nine (9) years of directly related procurement and/or supply chain management experience in a comparable institutional environment; demonstrated participation within professional organizations such as National Association of Education Procurement (NAEP), Institute for Supply Management (ISM) or other national or regional organizations; demonstrated experience with cost reduction principles and practices within a complex, diverse organization.

To view a complete Strategic Sourcing Specialist (Purchasing Agent 2) job description visit www.purchasing.uconn.edu. Qualified applicants please submit a cover letter, resume and contract information for three professional references via the Husky Hire link at www.jobs.uconn.edu. Please identify in your cover letter which position you are applying for, and ensure your application materials demonstrate how you meet the stated minimum qualifications and any of the preferred you may have. Search #2012167 Preference will be given to applications received by November 30, 2011. These are full time, permanent positions. Salary will be commensurate with experience.