Deputy Director, Procurement

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.

Job Summary:

This position supports the strategic and operational management of the university’s procurement and contracting functions. This role ensures that all purchasing activities comply with the Procurement Code of Illinois, Regulations of the Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees, and University policies and procedures related to transactions, contracts, and purchases. The Deputy Director, Procurement will also oversee contract administration, supplier relationships, and staff development to advance the institution's procurement goals.

Job Description:

• Manage day-to-day procurement operations, including competitive sourcing, purchase requisitions, supplier onboarding and contract execution.
• Supervise and mentor procurement staff, ensuring consistent application of policies and best practices.
• Assist in developing, implementing and maintaining procurement policies, procedures, and systems.
• Serve as acting director in the absence of the Director of Procurement.
• Lead strategic-sourcing initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supplier performance.
• Partner with departments to analyze spend data and develop purchasing strategies aligned with university objectives.
• Oversee supplier qualification, onboarding, and performance evaluation processes.
• Promote supplier diversity and the use of BEP-certified minority vendors.
• Ensure purchase requests are consistent with budgets and funding.
• Review all contracts and certifications for filing with the State Comptroller.
• Promotes the use of BEP-certified minority vendors.
• Support the Workday Implementation process and optimization of the Workday ERP system.
• Provide guidance and training to university departments on procurement best practices, compliance and contract management.
• Oversee and manage the university’s Corporate P-Card Program.
• Review all federally funded contracts and intergovernmental agreements. Ensure purchasing is consistent and compliant with specific terms.
• Review contracts as needed and annually for renewal purposes. This involves meeting with Unit heads/Deans as required.
• Build collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, external vendors and consortium partners.
• Represent Procurement on university committees and initiatives.
• Performs related duties as assigned

Minimal Qualifications:

1. Eleven (11) years of progressively responsible management work experience in a private or governmental organization:

A. Eight (8) years in the area of designated specialization required by the position

AND

B. Three (3) years supervising the work of a professional staff or process within the designated specialization

• Bachelor’s degree may be substituted for the above three (3) years non-specialized experience requirement
• Master’s degree may be substituted for one (1) year specialized work experience

Departmental Preferences:

• Undergraduate degree in business or related field.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience working with all levels of an organization.
• Knowledge of the Illinois Procurement Code and/or experience with a public university.
• Experience in implementing and using Workday Finance ERP System.
• Familiar with joint purchasing cooperatives (IPHEC or E&I).
• CPPB preferred but not required.
  

Typical Working Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Hours may vary depending on departmental needs).

Location: NEIU Main Campus (5500 North St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625)

Setting: In-office, not eligible for hybrid or remote work.

This position requires a background check.

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Salary Range

$75,000 - $83,000

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Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.