Vice President of Procurement

Exempt, Regular, Full-time

Updated 1.23.2025

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) seeks a Vice President of Procurement (VP) to lead the global procurement function including a team and policies and procedures. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, this VP is responsible for procuring goods, services, and technologies that enable enterprise strategy, vision, and mission. The VP will provide leadership in establishing and maintaining procurement governance - a framework that defines clear policies, processes, and decision-making authority to promote ethical, transparent, and strategy-aligned activities. They will also develop effective sourcing strategies, optimize the stewardship of organizational/state funds, and strengthen supplier relationships while mitigating risks. This VP champions the innovation of procurement practices, identifies opportunities for process improvements, and builds a high-performing, collaborative team that advances organizational excellence while fostering compliance and accountability.

Relocation to the MD/DC/Northern Virginia area is required. Upon relocation, position is hybrid.

Additional responsibilities include:  

Strategic Leadership

• Develops and executes procurement strategies aligned with the organization's overall strategic goals and objectives
• Establishes and directs departmental goals that support broader organizational objectives, fostering alignment across functional teams
• Oversees the implementation of policies, procedures, and systems to standardize procurement practices and optimize efficiency
• Partners with enterprise-wide Business Units to develop performance metrics
• Collaborates with senior leadership to align procurement priorities with organizational goals
• Represents the procurement function in executive meetings, providing insight and expertise on procurement strategies and risks
• Leads initiatives to improve procurement processes and adopt new technologies, fostering innovation across the department

Procurement Operations Oversight

• Manages the overall procurement lifecycle, including sourcing, contracting, purchasing, and suppliers
• Establishes performance metrics and reporting mechanisms to measure the success of procurement initiatives
• Conducts procurement activities in full compliance with applicable laws, policies, and ethical standards
• Reviews and approves high-value, strategic contracts, including complex information, in alignment with organizational needs
• Addresses escalated supplier performance issues and resolves disputes to maintain operational continuity
• Creates and supports competitive RFP/vendor evaluation processes including educating and ensuring compliance from both committee members and prospective vendors

Team Leadership and Development

• Oversees two (2) Directors and their respective teams of buyers and supporting resources to provide  guidance and set expectations for success
• Develops and implements training programs for direct reports, emphasizing advanced procurement methodologies, negotiation strategies, and leadership skills
• Provides strategic direction to directors and staff, empowering them to take ownership of key initiatives and deliver measurable results
• Creates and maintains a work environment that prioritizes compliance with regulatory standards, ethical procurement practices, and organizational policies
• Fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the procurement team
• Invests in professional development opportunities for team members to enhance skills in strategic sourcing, negotiations, and analytics
• Participates in industry-specific organizations for awareness and anticipation of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices
• Conducts regular performance evaluations, set goals, and provide constructive feedback to team members

Business Stakeholder and Vendor Relationship Management

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with key business stakeholders as well as vendors to secure favorable pricing and terms, foster long-term partnerships, and promote collaboration
• Acts as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, offering procurement expertise to advance organizational priorities and strategic initiatives
• Drives supplier diversity initiatives by expanding opportunities for Minority Business (MBE) and Small Business Reserve (SBR) participants, reflecting Maryland's growing focus on equity and inclusion in procurement
• Supports strategies and programs to increase MBE and SBR participation, including targeted outreach, mentoring opportunities, and partnership development with diverse suppliers

• Tracks and reports on MBE/SBR engagement metrics to highlight organizational progress and commitment to inclusive procurement practices
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Required education and experience: A demonstrated ability to get things done. An earned Master's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning; a total of at least 10 years of success leading enterprise procurement teams in government or corporate environments with substantial procurement portfolios; expertise utilizing data and metrics to inform decisions, practices, and improvements; and a track record of being an inspiring, high-energy, team-player/coach able to quickly gain credibility and build relationships across and outside of the organization.

Preferred experience: Certification by a national professional purchasing organization; state of Maryland MBE experience; experience in a higher education workplace; executive presence with the ability to communicate well with both technically expert and non-technical audiences; as well as a particular ease, finesse, and discernment that results from organizational and emotional intelligence.

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. UMGC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, ancestry, political affiliation or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Workplace Accommodations:

The University of Maryland Global Campus Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination. For information about UMGC's Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Policy or to request an accommodation, applicants/candidates can contact Employee Accommodations via email at employee-accommodations@umgc.edu. 

Benefits Package Highlights:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 days of paid vacation, 15 days of sick leave, 3 personal days, and 15 paid holidays (16 during general election years). For part-time employees, time off rates will be prorated based on the number of hours worked.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to health care, medical with vision, dental, and prescription plans for both individuals and families, effective from the 1st of the month following your hire date.
• Insurance Options: Term Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance. Part-time employees working less than 0.5 FTE are not eligible for LTD.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Available for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement Plans: Choose between the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) or the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS).
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: include 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options. The university does not provide matching funds.
• Tuition Remission: Immediate availability for Regular Exempt Staff. Spouses and dependent children are eligible for undergraduate tuition remission after two years of service. NOTE: For part-time employees (at least 50 percent of the time), tuition remission benefits are prorated.

Hiring Range: