Director of Procurement & Contracting

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Director of Procurement & Contracting plans, direct, and coordinates activities of procurement staff, competitive bid process and other related activities involved in purchasing materials, products or services for the University. The incumbent also oversees University Central Stores and receiving, University Procurement Card program, as well as Surplus Asset Management.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

Responsible for making recommendations in the areas of compensation, staff selection, disciplinary actions, complaints, staff performance appraisal and similar supervisory duties. Plans, assigns, and evaluates the work of subordinates for effective operation and results of the unit.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Position exercises a high degree of responsibility, judgment, and initiative. The position requires working knowledge of the theories and practices in the areas of materials management and procurement. Position will be expected to develop and implement new methods, procedures, and programs in support of University operations and strategic plan.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Functions as a Primary Procurement & Contracting Officer for the University and supervises the day-to-day activities of the staff.
• Directs and coordinates activities of personnel engaged in sourcing, contracting, and distribution of materials, equipment and supplies.
• Conducts inventory as required by established University procedures.
• Develops and implements office operations and procedures that are in compliance with state and University policies and procedures.
• Interprets state and University policies and procedures as required.
• Develops and analyzes Requests for Proposals and Competitive Bids for materials and services.
• Represents the University in formulating policies and procedures.
• Represents the University in negotiating contracts with suppliers.
• Prepares and reviews requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment as required.
• Analyzes market and delivery systems to determine present and future materials availability.
• Develops and analyzes reports regarding purchasing and other office activities as required or requested.
• Engage with the Colleges, Administration and Hospital to ensure that effective strategies are developed and implemented regarding targeted areas of engagement.
• Interpret and act upon changes in commodity categories to provide leadership and guidance to the overall Supply Chain team.
• Oversight of the University Procurement Card Program according to established policies and procedures:.
• Participate in the design, implementation, and maintenance of new ERP system and optimize its use
• Develop and continuously improve supplier programs
• Manage and promote diverse vendor program.
• Minimize company risk and maintains compliance in area of environment, health, and safety (EH&S).
• Interpret and act upon changes in commodity categories to provide leadership and guidance to the overall Supply Chain team.
• Maintain active communication with leaders from Marketing, Operations, Finance, Quality Assurance, Legal, Faculty, Student Organizations, Physicians, & Staff etc. for concept development, strategic sourcing development, designing new programs, discussing product options, providing market education, etc.
• Participate in industry groups to represent firm's and benchmark against other industry leaders and utilize these best practices to develop and implement operating strategies.
• Manage and promotes a diverse vendor base.
• Travel as needed, to current and prospective suppliers to provide product and process familiarization, resolution of issues, product development assistance, general business updates, product cost negotiations, etc.
• Engage with the Colleges administration and Hospital to ensure that effective strategies are developed and implemented regarding targeted areas of engagement.
• Interpret and act upon changes in commodity categories to provide leadership and guidance to the overall Supply Chain team. Oversight of University Central Store operations.
• Directs and coordinates activities of personnel engaged in the operations of the University Central Store.
• Assesses University needs/requirements for stock items in Central Stores inventory.
• Maintains required inventory levels' of commonly utilized items.
• Ensures all departmental staff provides prompt, efficient, and effective customer services. Oversight of University surplus property management program.
• Ensures that surplus properties are properly classified and that staff have properly sorted for sale or recycled according to established policy.
• Ensures surplus property sales and transfers are appropriately documented, including monetary transactions.
• Oversees coordination of surplus property transactions with Facilities Services, campus departments and Central Stores staff. Contributes to the effective operations of the office of Procurement & Contracting by completing other duties as required.
• Oversees the development and administration of purchasing budgets as required.
• Continues to develop personal and technical skills through active, ongoing learning
• Serves on committees as necessary or required.
• Attends meetings as a representative of the Division as necessary or required.
• Builds and maintains positive partnerships within and outside the University to support the operations and strategic direction of the Department and the University.
• Other duties as assigned by the AVP & Chief Procurement Officer.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of the concepts of materials management and procurement.
• Broad working knowledge of the principles of accounting and budgeting processes.
• Broad working knowledge of computer applications in gathering market data and reporting.
• Administration and management: knowledge of business and management principles involved in planning, resource allocation, human resources, and leadership techniques.
• Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
• Knowledge of working with relational database systems is preferred.

Desired Skills:

• Superior Communication skills.
• Excellent Organizational Skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent “people” and customer service skills.
• Conflict resolution and negotiating skills
• Excellent team leading and team member skills.
• Critical Thinking skills
• Coordination Skills
• Complex problem-solving skills.
• Persuasion skills.
• Troubleshooting skills.

Desired Traits:

• People Person
• Multi-Task Oriented
• Customer Focused
• Organized
• Ability to develop cooperative and collaborative relationships with diverse groups, both internal and external to the University.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s Degree in business with an emphasis in supply chain management, materials management, or procurement is required. Master’s degree is preferred. Five years of directly related experience is required. The job requires a working knowledge of Supply Chain Management, Materials Management, and Contracting. Procurement experience in Higher Education and Hospital is preferred. Proficiency with ERP systems such as the PeopleSoft finance module is preferred.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $150,000 - $160,000