Job Details

Job Description

The Procurement Office at the University of Oklahoma is dedicated to helping the university meet its procurement and contracting needs through cost-effective practices and by leveraging buying power to develop strategic supplier relationships. Our expertise ensures that procurement decisions are made in the best interest of the University and in full compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

We are seeking to hire three managers each overseeing a team of 3-8 procurement professionals responsible for acquiring goods and services across assigned commodity areas. Each manager provides direct leadership to both senior and entry-level specialists, ensuring procurement activities comply with university policies, state regulations, and best practices while supporting the institution's operational and strategic goals.

This role is accountable for the most complex and high-risk procurements within its portfolio-including contracts requiring Board of Regents approval-and serves as a subject matter expert on cooperative purchasing agreements. Procurement Managers also collaborate closely with the Strategic Sourcing team on major contract initiatives and lead efforts in procurement planning, process improvement, and continuous optimization within their assigned area.

Target Start Date: February-March 2026

Essential Duties:

• Supervise and support a team of procurement specialists within assigned commodity areas.
• Manage the most complex and high-value procurements, including those requiring Board of Regents approval.
• Review, red line, and negotiate complex contracts in collaboration with the Office of Legal Counsel and university stakeholders.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on cooperative purchasing agreements relevant to assigned commodities.
• Liaise with the Strategic Sourcing team to align procurement activities with broader contract initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with university procurement policies, state laws, and applicable regulations.
• Provide training, mentorship, and performance feedback to procurement staff.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies that support efficiency and cost savings, and risk mitigation.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure proper documentation of procurement activities and contracts.
• Represent the Procurement Services department in meetings with university departments and external partners.

Job Requirements

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree AND:

• 48 months of experience in procurement or contract administration. 12 months of supervisory experience.

Equivalency/Substitution: Experience or a combination of education & related experience can be considered in lieu of a degree. A one-to-one ratio is used to determine the number of years of experience required in place of a degree.

Skills:

• Demonstrated experience with complex purchasing and contract review.
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong knowledge of public procurement regulations and best practices.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Certifications: None

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Standard Office Environment

Supervision: 1-5 Staff

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.