Senior Supply Chain Project Manager

Job Description The Senior Supply Chain Project Manager provides the University with a forward-looking, data-driven view of its supply base and leads the initiatives that improve it. Reporting to the AVP, Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), this role will partner with the Assistant Director of Strategic Sourcing to manage commodity spend, market trends, and savings efforts across the institution, while leading cross-functional projects that modernize procurement and supplier payment operations. This is a senior, hands-on role for a proven supply chain and operations professional. The successful candidate will, bringing the operational depth and market insight to turn spend data into savings, and plans into results. This role will lead strategic and project-based work. Education and Experience Required Qualifications -Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, operations, business, or a related fieldSignificant progressive experience in supply chain and operations management, typically 10 or more years, including direct responsibility for supply chain, commodity management, and large-scale operational programsDemonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional projects and teams with measurable savings or efficiency resultsStrong analytical skills, with experience in complex spend analysis, market and commodity analysis, and cost modeling.Advanced experience with ERP (Oracle, SAP, Peoplesoft) and analytics systems (Excel, BI, Smart sheets, Anthropic AI).Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to brief senior leadersProven ability to build relationships and influence without direct authorityPreferred QualificationsMaster’s degree (MBA or similar)Professional certification such as CPSM, CSCP, CPM, or PMP Experience in higher education, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing or another complex public-service or nonprofit environment.Experience with travel and expense, booking, or supplier payment systemsAdvanced experience analyzing and implementing supplier rebate programs, leading contract negotiations, and establishing PPV/PPI programsFamiliarity with public procurement requirements and grant-funded purchasing Skills and Knowledge Core CompetenciesStrategic thinking with strong operational follow-throughData-driven decision makingProject and change managementSupplier and stakeholder relationship managementSound judgment, discretion, and integrityCollaboration across departments and levels Responsibilities Commodity and Market ManagementMonitor pricing, supply disruptions, and market trends for the University’s major spend categories, and brief the CPO and leadership on risks and opportunitiesDevelop commodity strategies and category plans in partnership with Strategic Sourcing, using spend data to set prioritiesAnticipate cost pressures and recommend timing, volume, and supplier strategies to mitigate them.Savings and Supplier ProgramsLead the identification, tracking, and reporting of cost savings and avoidance across the UniversityDevelop and manage leveraged supplier programs, including rebate and discount agreements such as airline, hotel, and rental car programsPartner with Strategic Sourcing to consolidate spend, strengthen supplier relationships, and increase contract coverage.Project and Initiative LeadershipLead cross-functional projects from scope through implementation, including the evaluation and rollout of a unified travel booking and expense platformDevelop project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk registers, and communicate status to the CPO and stakeholdersEngage campus partners, including large traveling and purchasing groups, through surveys, feedback sessions, and change management.Operations and Process ImprovementAnalyze procurement and supplier payment processes to reduce manual work, cycle times, and errorsDesign and maintain spend analytics, dashboards, and performance measures for leadershipSupport policy development and compliance and promote consistent use of University systems and contracts.Support to the Chief Procurement OfficerProvide analysis, briefings, and recommendations that inform enterprise procurement strategyRepresent Procurement on committees and in meetings as delegated by the CPO Partner with the Assistant Directors of Procurement and Strategic Sourcing to keep strategic and day-to-day work aligned Physical Requirements Not Applicable Tools/Equipment Not Applicable Application Instructions In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter. About Syracuse University Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu. About The Syracuse Area Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal. EEO Statement Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. 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