Strategic Category Manager I - IV, Procurement Services

Department

Procurement Services

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements category management strategies to maximize value for FSU through strategic sourcing, supplier management, and stakeholder collaboration. Identifies cost-saving and process improvement opportunities, establishes category goals, and monitors performance using spend analysis tools. Leads contract negotiations, sourcing initiatives, and high-value procurement projects while partnering with University leadership to support strategic objectives. Facilitates stakeholder meetings and proactively resolves challenges to ensure efficient procurement operations.
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and customers to support procurement goals and promote effective communication. Serves as a trusted advisor to departments by understanding business needs and developing sourcing strategies that align with organizational objectives. Facilitates stakeholder engagement, negotiations, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Collaborates with suppliers and University leadership to support data-driven decision-making and strategic procurement initiatives.
• Leads sourcing activities and guides procurement processes by selecting appropriate procurement methods based on business needs, market conditions, and regulations. Collaborates with stakeholders to develop specifications, conduct solicitations, evaluate supplier responses, and negotiate favorable terms and pricing. Establishes contract terms and coordinates with University partners to address legal, risk, and compliance requirements. Recommends award decisions and procurement solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support University objectives.
• Maintains expertise in procurement practices, market trends, and applicable laws, regulations, and University policies. Pursues ongoing professional development through industry associations, training, and participation in procurement-related meetings and committees. Builds relationships with suppliers and market experts to identify emerging technologies and innovative solutions. Promotes ethical, transparent, and compliant procurement practices while supporting University-wide procurement initiatives.
• Monitors category performance by tracking forecasted and actual savings, analyzing spend data, and reporting results and budget impacts. Conducts spend, market, and pricing analyses to identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend the best sourcing solutions. Develops reports on contract savings, goals, and performance metrics to support data-driven decision-making. Partners with departments and suppliers to increase contract utilization and identify new sources of supply that meet customer needs.
• Work collaboratively with suppliers to identify and execute continuous basic cost and performance improvement strategies, identifying and resolving basic key supplier performance issues to ensure customer satisfaction, engaging with new suppliers, conducting basic spend analysis, determining special factors, risk analysis and developing basic strategies. Leads quarterly business reviews with basic contract suppliers, and other key stakeholders based on acquired knowledge.
• Maintain paperless file documentation online and in contract management tools, organizing and maintaining documentation pertinent to audit reviews, contract renewals, terminations and performance, solicitation protests and disputes, and supplier due dates. Take a pro-active approach in handling job related activities to include teamwork, interaction with departments and suppliers, keeping up with commitments, predicting when circumstances may prevent commitment(s) from being met and takes action to reprioritize assignments or modification of commitment(s) so all can be timely met. Provide training to campus departments on basic procurement topics. Drive implementation of preferred supplier relationships by providing education and outreach to campus departments. Provide training on basic procurement-related processes as needed to internal procurement staff Performs additional duties or reports as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and three years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and seven years of experience. (Note: post high-school education and/or experience may substitute at a comparable rate.)

• Candidates with an additional two years of related experience will be considered for levels II - IV. Each level requires an additional two years of related experience.

Helpful

This position will serve as the dedicated procurement liaison for research/scientific/medical purchases.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow's news!

Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses .

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculato r to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check .

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.