Strategic Sourcing Specialist - IT (Finance)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume in PDF format in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist - IT will manage the acquisition of software, hardware, and professional services to meet stakeholder needs. This role involves developing go-to-market strategies, leading RFXs, negotiating contracts and commercial terms, managing key supplier relationships, engaging with stakeholders, evaluating market conditions, and executing the strategic sourcing plan for IT.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in strategic sourcing within IT, a strong commitment to making an impact, exceptional customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and a results-driven mindset.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role (minimum of two days in the office per week). Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Accounting, or a related discipline
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substitute
• Three or more (3+) years of related procurement experience in a sourcing, specialist, or category management role

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, listening, and presentation skills
• Exceptional team player. Must be able to work collaboratively, take direction, adhere to required work schedules, meet commitments, focus on details, and comply with work rules
• Strong analytical, organizational, reasoning, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills
• Customer-focused with a positive attitude and a sense of urgency
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others and maintain confidentiality when appropriate
• Ability to resolve conflicts amicably
• Ability to work independently and within an organization to manage tasks and timelines
• Ability to maintain a high level of performance
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple tasks, organize and prioritize work to meet strict deadlines, and work with minimal direct supervision
• Ability to organize, schedule, and prioritize workload to meet key milestones and objectives
• Intermediate proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job

Preferences:

• Three or more (3+) years of related IT procurement experience in a sourcing, specialist, or category management role
• Familiarity with higher education procurement practices and requirements
• Experience with IT procurement, sourcing, and contracting, including software, services, and hardware
• Intermediate proficiency with Adobe Acrobat, Oracle Fusion Cloud, eSourcing, contract management, and spend analytics tools

Essential Functions:

• Serves as a relationship manager to campus stakeholders and suppliers
• Advises and assists department staff, faculty, and leadership in the acquisition of goods and services
• Manages RFXs for goods, services, and technologies
• Evaluates commercial proposals to ensure alignment with organizational goals
• Leads or assists with supplier negotiations to secure favorable terms
• Actively manages open orders and stakeholder requirements to ensure timely delivery
• Ensures commitments are met by monitoring progress and addressing issues proactively
• Conducts market research to identify new potential suppliers and evaluate market trends
• Performs all other duties as assigned to support the department's objectives

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.