VP Strategic Sourcing
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. · Phoenix, AZ · 2 days ago
PurchasingFull-time
Position Overview The Vice President of Strategic Sourcing leads the development and execution of an enterprise sourcing strategy that supports the company’s rapid growth and operational priorities. This role oversees sourcing for all categories of capital and operating expenses, including major construction, real estate, and program‑launch initiatives while driving value, efficiency, and risk mitigation across the supply chain. The VP stewards strategic supplier partnerships, lead complex negotiations, and implement enterprise procurement systems that enable scalable Procure‑to‑Pay operations. What You'll Do Develop and execute a unified strategic sourcing roadmap aligned with corporate growth plans, division priorities, and multi‑campus expansion strategiesOversee sourcing for construction, real estate, facilities, and program‑launch initiatives supporting approximately four new campuses and ~twenty new academic programs annuallyOversee sourcing for “business as usual” capital and expense categories across existing campuses and corporate functionsEstablish standardized sourcing processes, specifications, and contract templates for recurring construction, renovation, FF&E, and facilities projectsPartner with academic, campus operations, real estate, IT, and facilities teams to integrate sourcing early in capital project and program development cyclesBuild and manage strategic supplier partnerships and lead senior‑level negotiations for complex multi‑year agreementsDrive cost savings through competitive sourcing, value engineering, supplier consolidation, and optimized contract structuresLead implementation of an enterprise‑wide procurement system and processes enabling full Procure‑to‑Pay functionality within the ERP platformEnsure sourcing and procurement activities comply with relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations and competitive bidding standardsMitigate supply chain risks through proactive supplier management, contingency planning, and competitive sourcing practicesOversee supplier performance management frameworks including KPIs, SLAs, scorecards, and quarterly business reviewsAdvance supplier diversity and local vendor engagement initiatives aligned with institutional mission and community impact goalsEstablish/maintain a high performance team of professional, motivated and engaged staff utilizing effective training, performance management and career-development activities while leading them to achieve established business results and performance metricsRecognizes and rewards employee contributions and achievementsOther duties as assigned What You'll Bring Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or a related field (required)Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain, procurement, or related functions (preferred)Experience implementing enterprise procurement systems and/or ERP‑integrated Procure‑to‑Pay processes Skills Set department-level strategic direction and influences organizational prioritiesAnticipate complex problems and proactively addresses themBuild strong relationships through insight, empathy, and presenceCommunicate vision and priorities with clarity and inspirationDemonstrate exceptional listening, influencing, and negotiation skillsLead enterprise-wide initiatives and large-scale presentationsCreate accountability frameworks to ensure sustained performanceChampion the use of technology, data, and systems for innovationMake impactful decisions with minimal oversightAnticipate future trends and translate insights into strategic breakthroughsDevelop people to achieve both personal and organizational goalsFoster a motivating environment that drives high performanceAdapt style and approach to meet evolving demands in real time Abilities Able and willing to:Communicate, think, learn, and reasonUse computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to process transactions, store documents, enter data, or perform assigned tasksSafely ambulate and/or maneuver when on-site at Company locationsDemonstrate and utilize active listening, inductive reasoning, information ordering and category flexibilityAbility to use good judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skillsAbility to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretionAbility to work in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are essential and multiple projects are worked simultaneouslyAbility to gain, understand and apply information and data as it relates essential functions of the positionAbility to foster long-term relationships with stakeholdersAbility to travel to worksite locationsOccassionally (up to 10% of workday)Use fine and large motor skills to operate a motor vehicleUse hearing and sight (both near and far vision) to operate a motor vehicle Work Environment Work is performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment when on site at assigned company location. Employees must be able to safely ambulate when on company premises.This position is designated as Remote. Employees must meet minimum technical standards for eligibility and participation.Overnight and/or Local travel required (up to 25%) About Us Universal Technical Institute, Inc. is a national leader in workforce solutions for transportation, skilled trades and healthcare/dental. Across our two brands, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and Concorde Career Colleges, we share a common purpose: to prepare students for careers in high-demand fields. Just as we invest in our students’ futures, we invest in our people by creating opportunities to grow, contribute and build rewarding careers while making a lasting difference in the lives of students, employers and the communities we serve.