Senior Category Buyer

Job Summary

Reporting to the Category Manager, a Senior Category Buyer will be responsible for collaborating with schools and departments on competitive solicitations for desired goods and services, and managing purchasing projects that are presented to the Board of Education for approval as the buyer for a designated portfolio. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

Responsibilities

• Works with the Category Manager to define a 3-year strategy for complex categories and is fully responsible for its execution.
• Works with clients to develop the sourcing plan: manages the process and provides advice on procurement type, appropriate contract length, and bundling opportunities to senior management.
• Implements a tactical approach to sourcing in order to obtain the best value for money/lead negotiations for complex RFPs/RFQs.
• Analyzes final responses from potential vendors and provides recommendations based on cost/cash/quality and strategic fit criteria.
• Led the sourcing process to finalize the vendor contractual agreement.
• Affords supplier performance for continuous improvement by leading supplier meetings.
• Takes a leading role in proposing and implementing improvement in CPS procurement processes.
• Develops and facilitates training for staff on CPS systems and procurement processes.
• Serves as a mentor to other Category Buyers to help them develop their professional skills.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, supply chain or other related field is required. Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, supply chain or other related field is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of professional procurement experience required, preferably in a large, complex organization, including the following: Experience with the solicitation (RFX) process Experience with negotiations Oracle experienced preferred.

Benefits

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS Is Committed To Providing Comprehensive Health Coverage To Our Employees And Their Eligible Dependents. You'll Have Access To a Variety Of Choices To Best Fit Your Needs
Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options: Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies: Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
Leaves

Conditions of Employment

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.