Strategic Category Mgr II

The Strategic Category Manager II is a professional role with increasing autonomy and experience. This role may oversee the direction of multiple high-spend commodity categories and will lead strategic procurement initiatives. This role will manage high-value contracts and high value supplier accounts. This role requires more advanced data analysis skills and must independently be able to monitor and manage supplier performance and public solicitation events. Role is expected to work with increasing levels of independence by exercising judgement in the direction of the category strategy.

Category Analysis and Direction:

Develop and implement strategic plans for assigned commodity category.

Identify long-term goals and objectives

Conduct market research and data analysis to understand trends and opportunities

Assess the feasibility of new procurement initiatives

Prepare detailed reports and recommendations for management

Source and evaluate potential suppliers by facilitation of public solicitation events or evaluation of public contracts

Track category performance through cost avoidance cost savings and rebate management.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management:

Establish and maintain strong relationship with key suppliers

Monitor supplier performance and address any issues or concerns

Negotiate favorable agreements focusing on cost savings cost avoidance and rebates for USF

Develop and implement performance metrics for suppliers

Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback

Track contract milestone sand renewal dates

Act as lead agent for implementation of large programs and add value supplier programs

Department outreach:

Develop relationships with key internal USF clients to understand their procurement needs and provide tailored support

Act as liaison between stakeholders and procurement and suppliers

Participate in outreach activities to promote procurement initiatives

Conduct regular business review meetings to gather feedback to improve supplier relationships procurement processes and identify gaps and opportunities.

Provide ongoing education to departments on procurement.

Data analysis and reporting:

Use spend data to support strategic decision making and identify gaps and opportunities for strategic sourcing

Prepare regular reports on procurement activities and performance for internal and external stakeholders.

Acts as a process owner for key department functions related to strategic category management. Assumes a lead role in modifying and updating business processes to keep up with industry best practices with the goal of building efficiency standardization and a best-in class program.

Accurately review and process high dollar and category specific requisition (purchase order) requests in the procurement system ensuring that the request contains required backup documentation in compliance with USF and the State of Florida policies related to the purchase of goods and services. Support education by relaying procurement related information and guidance to internal USF clients and assist where appropriate in directly sourcing or providing sourcing guidance to internal clients to obtain quotes. May support evaluation and approval of new supplier requests to ensure requests align with USF strategic goals.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors degree and 3 years procurement strategic sourcing or contract management experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelors degree.
Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate ( is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required not to exceed:
(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelors degree;
(c) Six years of direct experience for a masters degree;
(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure certification or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Preferred Qualifications:

4-7 years of procurement strategic sourcing or contract management experience.
Experience of working with suppliers in the scientific/medical industry
History of increasing workplace responsibility and experience preferably in an institution of higher education
CPPB or equivalent certification

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

Strong negotiation and analytical skills
Knowledge of business best practices compliance and procurement practices
Working knowledge of PowerBI Tableau Excel or other data analysis programs