Senior Associate Vice President & Chief Procurement Officer

About the Role

The Senior Associate Vice President of Procurement and Chief Procurement Officer serves as the University's chief procurement leader and strategic advisor, overseeing all procurement, sourcing, contracting, supplier management, procurement technology, and procurement compliance functions. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Associate Vice President of Procurement and Chief Procurement Officer provides visionary leadership that advances institutional excellence through transparent, compliant, innovative, and technology-enabled procurement operations.

The Senior Associate Vice President of Procurement and Chief Procurement Officer is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive procurement strategy that aligns with the University's mission, strategic plan, operational priorities, and stewardship responsibilities while maintaining strict adherence to applicable federal and Texas state laws and regulations. The position leads enterprise-wide initiatives focused on procurement modernization, digital transformation, strategic sourcing, supplier diversity, operational efficiency, risk mitigation, contract optimization, and regulatory compliance.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Strategic and visionary leadership
• Exceptional integrity and ethical judgment
• Strong knowledge of public procurement laws and regulations
• Technology-forward and innovation-focused mindset
• Data-driven decision-making capabilities
• Operational excellence and process improvement expertise
• Strong financial and business acumen
• Collaborative leadership style
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Public Administration, Finance, Law, Information Systems, or related field
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible procurement leadership experience
• Five (5) years of supervisory or management experience
• Demonstrated experience leading public procurement operations in higher education, government, healthcare, or similarly regulated environments
• Experience overseeing competitive solicitations, contract negotiations, supplier management, and procurement compliance programs
• Demonstrated success leading technology modernization, digital transformation, and process improvement initiatives
• Experience managing enterprise procurement systems and procurement analytics programs
• Demonstrated knowledge of procurement governance, risk management, and internal controls
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment or water treatment system

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Law, or related discipline
• Experience working with various platforms, including Banner, Jagger, etc.
• Experience in Texas public higher education procurement
• Experience serving as a chief procurement officer, procurement director, or procurement compliance leader
• Experience implementing eProcurement, strategic sourcing, procure-to-pay, contract management, and spend analytics platforms
• Experience with strategic sourcing, category management, Lean process improvement, and operational excellence methodologies
• Demonstrated success managing procurement audits and regulatory reviews
• Experience leading large-scale organizational transformation initiatives

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications

Required:

• Must hold (or be able to obtain within a specified period) procurement certifications issued or recognized by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, such as:
  • Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD)
  • Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM)
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal and Texas state procurement statutes and rules is required

Preferred:

• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)
• Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.)
• Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP)
• Lean Six Sigma Certification
• Project Management Professional (PMP)