Sourcing Specialist (Multiple Positions)

The Sourcing Specialist plays a critical role in executing the universitys strategic sourcing roadmap. This role drives value and supports institutional goals through the development negotiation and administration of supplier contracts. They lead sourcing initiatives manages the full contract lifecycle develops and negotiates RFx events and ensures contracts are aligned with stakeholder needs and university compliance standards. The Sourcing Specialist also addresses supplier performance issues and contractual non-compliance to protect the universitys interests.

When you join the Finance & Budget organization you become part of a smart driven team that thrives on solving complex challenges. We align our business practices with the universitys priorities and cultivate talented teams who find purpose in creating simpler more effective systems that drive institutional success. Our focus is clear: developing our people transforming our work and elevating our role.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health dental and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation sick leave and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Sourcing Strategy & Execution:

• Lead sourcing activities for goods and services in accordance with university policies and procedures.
• Develop manage and execute RFx events (RFPs RFIs RFQs) including drafting specifications scoring criteria and evaluation scorecards.
• Facilitate supplier negotiations contract awards and final agreement execution.
• Create long-term sourcing strategies aligned with university goals and stakeholder requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for sourcing events including stakeholder collaboration contract implementation and vendor onboarding.
• Interpret policy and ensure ethical transparent sourcing decisions.
• Identify and respond to changes in market conditions legislation or supplier performance that could impact the university.
• Ensure fair supplier selection based on solicitation criteria and evaluation outcomes.
• Manage high-value complex sourcing events and contracts university-wide.

Contract & Compliance Management:

• Support contract negotiations and initial supplier redline reviews across categories.
• Develop and maintain a clause library and category-specific contract templates (e.g. SaaS data privacy research agreements).
• Ensure consistency in contract amendments and clarity for stakeholders.
• Address compliance-related inquiries and support adherence to university legal and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee supplier performance to contractual obligations including cost scope service levels and timelines.

Contract Lifecycle Management & Process Improvement:

• Manage pre- and post-award contract activities and documentation.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of contracts within the contract management system.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve issues and ensure continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and innovation within sourcing workflows.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable laws policies and ethical standards.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Contribute to cross-functional strategic projects and procurement initiatives.
• Support program management for initiatives such as sourcing pipelines cost containment and spend analysis.
• Align contract portfolio support with the universitys strategic sourcing roadmap.
• Track and report on key sourcing and contracting milestones.

Other Support Duties:

• Participate in stakeholder and supplier engagement activities including implementation plans training and onboarding.
• Contribute to business case development and presentation as needed.
• Share best practices and lessons learned with internal teams.
• Support supplier eProcurement enablement and contract compliance metrics.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Strong knowledge of the full procurement lifecycle from planning to contract award.
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing principles complex procurement processes and supplier evaluation practices.
• Skill in negotiating supplier agreements and managing contracts to mitigate legal and financial risk.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with varied stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to support sourcing and contracting decisions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs in a dynamic environment.
• Skill in using sourcing procurement and contract management systems.
• Knowledge of ethical procurement practices and commitment to compliance with university policies and applicable regulations.
• Ability to develop sourcing strategies and translate them into effective operational plans and measurable outcomes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and support team development and mentorship.
• Ability to lead through change adapt to evolving business needs and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelors degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Business Administration or related field preferred.
• Experience with complex high-value procurements in a large or public-sector environment.
• Professional certifications preferred (e.g. CPSM CPM CPPB).
• 5 years of progressive procurement or sourcing experience.