Summary
The Chief Procurement Officer is a vital executive leader within the educational institution's finance and administration division, responsible for directing system-wide procurement strategy, strategic sourcing, and supply chain operations across all campuses. By overseeing enterprise risk management, enforcing strict compliance with state and federal regulations, and cultivating a diverse vendor ecosystem, this role ensures operational efficiency and financial integrity. Ultimately, the CPO drives high-level market analysis and champions sustainable procurement practices that seamlessly align with the university's broader administrative and academic goals.
Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement Leadership: Direct and establish the overarching procurement and supply chain strategy across all university campuses to ensure seamless alignment with institutional objectives.
Regulatory Compliance & Governance: Enforce strict adherence to state codes, federal regulations, and internal policies to uphold the highest legal and ethical standards in all purchasing activities.
Enterprise Risk Management: Oversee the university's risk and insurance portfolios, actively managing liability and property insurance as well as overseeing claims adjustment processes.
Strategic Sourcing & Market Analysis: Lead comprehensive market assessments and high-level sourcing initiatives to optimize vendor contracts, drive cost savings, and secure maximum value.
Executive Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate strong partnerships with university executives and academic leaders to ensure procurement operations effectively support administrative and educational needs.
Supplier Diversity & Sustainability: Champion minority business enterprise (MBE) inclusion and sustainable purchasing practices to build a diverse, responsible, and resilient vendor ecosystem.
Budgeting & Statutory Reporting: Manage procurement budgets and ensure accurate, timely statutory reporting for sole-source, emergency, and diversity-related expenditures.
Departmental Leadership & Development: Build, mentor, and guide a comprehensive team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and industry networking.
Qualifications and Requirements
Experience & Leadership
Required: 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in procurement and supply chain management, preferably within a large higher education or public sector institution.
Required: Demonstrated executive leadership experience, with a track record of directing a full professional and support department across a multi-campus system.
Preferred: Proven success in directing supplier diversity programs (MBE inclusion) and driving sustainable procurement initiatives.Domain Expertise & Compliance
Required: Authoritative command of state and federal procurement regulations, specifically including expert knowledge of the SC Consolidated Procurement Code (or equivalent state code).
Required: Extensive experience in enterprise risk management, including overseeing liability and property insurance administration and claims adjustment processes.
Required: Strong background in budget management, oversight, and statutory reporting (e.g., sole-source, emergency, and MBE reporting).
Required: Deep expertise in strategic sourcing, high-level vendor contract optimization, and comprehensive market analysis.Education & Certifications
Required: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field (Master's degree highly preferred).
Preferred: Executive procurement credentials such as Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) and NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP).
Preferred: Active leadership, network presence, or involvement in recognized industry associations such as NAEP, NIGP, or SCAGPO.Soft Skills & Communication
Required: Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage effectively with executives, academic leaders, and board members across the university ecosystem.
Required: Advanced strategic direction capabilities, ensuring procurement goals seamlessly align with overarching institutional academic and administrative objectives.