Senior Category Manager & Head of Sourcing Operations

Job Summary 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. Primary Responsibilities Leadership & Strategy 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 Category Management & Sourcing Execution 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 Supplier Relationship Management 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 Requirements & Qualifications 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