"Strategic Procurement Specialist, Wharton Finance & Administration"

Job Details

**Strategic Procurement Specialist, Wharton Finance & Administration** **University Overview** The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023. Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play. The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more. **Posted Job Title** Strategic Procurement Specialist, Wharton Finance & Administration **Job Profile Title** Procurement Specialist Senior **Job Description Summary** Wharton School Overview Founded in 1881 as the world's first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education's individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a dynamic community of staff, bringing a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu. This position will lead and continuously improve strategic sourcing and category management initiatives that deliver measurable cost savings, mitigate operational risk, optimize supplier performance, and ensure alignment with University procurement strategies and evolving market trends. **Job Description** The Strategic Sourcing Specialist plays a critical role in advancing the School's procurement strategy by developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives that deliver measurable cost savings, mitigate risk, and enhance supplier performance. This role leads category management efforts across key spend areas, applying market intelligence, benchmarking, and University-provided analytics to inform decision‑making and elevate procurement effectiveness. The Specialist is forward‑thinking, solutions‑oriented, and highly collaborative - working closely with stakeholders across the school and central procurement to streamline processes and support new contracting processes. In collaboration with the central Strategic Procurement team, this position also strengthens strategic supplier relationships to drive long‑term value creation and ensure that procurement activities align with University standards and evolving market best practices. **Qualifications**

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, supply chain, or a related field and 5-7 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supply chain management, or related functions, ideally within a complex or decentralized organization, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Demonstrated expertise in category management, supplier relationship management, and leading sourcing initiatives that deliver measurable cost savings and operational improvements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and spend analytics, translating data into actionable recommendations.
• Experience negotiating contracts across a wide range of categories, including the ability to manage change orders and SOW modifications.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across departments and partner effectively with central procurement.

**Job Location - City, State** Philadelphia, Pennsylvania **Department / School** Wharton School **Pay Range** $76,000.00 - $100,000.00 Annual Rate Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered. **Equal Opportunity Statement** The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.