The Director of Procurement Services provides leadership and oversight for the University’s procurement and purchasing operations. This position is responsible for ensuring that goods and services are acquired in a cost-effective, timely manner and in compliance with University policies and local, state, and federal regulations while supporting the University’s academic mission and operational goals.

The Director partners closely with academic and administrative areas to improve procurement processes, manage supplier relationships, and ensure strong financial stewardship and regulatory compliance.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission to develop global citizens. Having the ability and willingness to work collegially is essential, as is an understanding of an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum.

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

• Lead and manage the University’s purchasing and procurement operations, including strategic sourcing, competitive bids, Request for Proposals (RFPs)/Request for Quotations (RFQs), and contract negotiations. Works with end-users to develop specifications for RFQs/RFPs.
• Draft and execute complex purchase orders and contracts. Oversee contract review and execution in collaboration with Legal Counsel and campus stakeholders.
• Develop, implement, and continuously review and improve procurement policies, procedures, and best practices. Drive continuous innovation by researching, piloting emerging procurement technologies, such as AI-driven sourcing tools, predictive spend analysis, and contract lifecycle oversight.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Maintain strong internal controls and documentation to support audits and financial reviews.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, strategic sourcing initiatives, and contract consolidation opportunities. Negotiates strongly with suppliers for lower prices. Develops new supply sources. Manage supplier relationships, evaluate performance, and resolve issues as needed.
• Oversee the University’s purchasing systems (e.g., Workday), including workflows, approvals, and user support. Oversee implementation and improvement of procurement technologies, ensuring seamless integration with current Finance, HR, grants management systems across University.
• Provide guidance and support to campus areas to ensure an efficient and user-friendly procurement process.
• Promote small business and sustainability participation through appropriate sourcing efforts as it aligns with the University mission.
• Hire, supervise, train, and evaluate purchasing staff; foster a collaborative and service-oriented team culture.
• Prepare reports and analyses on purchasing activity, trends, and savings for leadership. Perform complex spend analysis. Performs complex cost analysis and commodity planning across University.
• Supports transactional operations as necessary by reviewing, managing, and/or approving requests, transactions, and related activities (requisitions, purchase orders, supplier agreements).
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration.

Required Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management.

Competencies/Skills:

• Experience with contract negotiation, vendor management, and strategic sourcing.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices, compliance, and internal controls.
• Experience supervising and leading staff.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education

• Master’s degree in a related field.

Experience

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or public-sector environment.

Competencies/Skills:

• Experience using Workday or another ERP procurement system.
• Professional certification such as CPSM, CPP, or similar.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills
• High level of integrity and sound judgment
• Excellent customer service and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects
• Strong attention to detail and process improvement mindset
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
• Works well independently and contributively to a team
• Commitment to Soka University of America’s mission and values.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based work.
• May require occasional evening or weekend work.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer.

Soka University of America offers excellent benefits. Salary range for this position is $100,000 to $120,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a successful background check.

Application review will begin immediately. The position will remain open, and applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

New employees must provide documents, on their first day, verifying identity and legal authorization to work in the United States. The list of acceptable documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents.

Application Requirements:

Must submit the following to be considered:

• letter of interest for this position
• resume
• three professional references

Please apply by clicking on this link: https://soka.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/sokacareersite/job/SUA-Main-Campus/Director-of-Procurement-Services_JR-361-1

For inquiries, e-mail: jobs@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

Logo

About Soka University of America

Founded on the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights, and the sanctity of life, Soka University of America is a secular, four-year liberal arts college and graduate school with a unique mission: to educate global citizens to contribute to a better world. Situated atop a ridge overlooking a 4,000-acre wilderness park, Soka is three miles from the Pacific Ocean, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. The university's commitment to fostering global citizenship is reflected in its diverse student body, with 50% of students hailing from international backgrounds. This is further supported by mandatory second language and study abroad programs, and an interdisciplinary core curriculum. The curriculum is delivered in small, dynamic classes, maintaining a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 12.

Connections working at Soka University of America