"Strategic Sourcing Specialist"

About Drexel University

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a world‐class, comprehensive, R1 research institution and a global leader in experiential education. For more than 100 years, our renowned Cooperative Education (co-op) program has enabled students to gain professional work experience before they graduate, setting them apart from their peers.

Committed to becoming the nation’s most civically engaged university, Drexel supports engagement along three dimensions: research and academic programs that directly benefit communities, business practices that support equitable local and regional economic development, and public service by students, faculty, and staff. Our engagement is long‐term, multigenerational, and fundamental to the University’s mission, heritage, and future.

At Drexel, we are devoted to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes healthy lifestyles and is based on integrity, trust, and respect. We center equity, inclusion and belonging, and incorporate an anti‐racism approach to our strategic plan, organizational systems, policies and structures.

Drexel offers its highly engaged faculty and professional staff a comprehensive and world‐class benefits package that includes generous vacation and paid time off as applicable (including civic engagement days), up to an 11% 403(b) Retirement Plan match with immediate vesting, and remote and flexible work options for many roles. Our exceptional medical plans include domestic partner and fertility assistance and our award‐winning A Healthier U wellness program. In addition, faculty and professional staff at Drexel enjoy free tuition for themselves and their dependents for Drexel degree programs, certification, and non‐certification programs. And as part of the tuition offering to employees, Drexel participates in a tuition exchange program for dependents with other higher education institutions. These are just a sample of our extensive benefit offerings. Please see this Benefits Brochure for more information.

Suspension of Drexel University's Contribution into 403(b) Retirement Plan

As communicated on Oct. 10, Drexel University is suspending its contributions to employee retirement plans for calendar year 2025 as part of its multi-year plan to build financial resilience. Drexel is continuing to monitor the situation and will share updates as they become available for calendar year 2026.

Job Summary

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist is responsible for executing the University’s defined sourcing strategies to support the acquisition of goods and services in alignment with institutional goals. This role manages the full lifecycle of sourcing activities within the University’s eProcurement system, including competitive solicitations, supplier negotiations, contract review, and purchase requisition approvals. The Specialist will work closely with internal stakeholders to understand needs, develop sourcing strategies, and ensure timely, compliant, and cost-effective procurement outcomes. This position requires strong analytical, negotiation, and project management skills, as well as the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment. The Accounts Payable and Procurement Services Department plays a critical role in advancing Drexel’s institutional and operational goals through inclusive, efficient, and strategically aligned business practices. We are committed to fostering access and opportunity by encouraging participation from a broad range of suppliers and cultivating strong partnerships that serve the University and surrounding community.

Our team leads with accountability and collaboration, delivering responsible financial stewardship, exceptional customer service, and support across procurement, payables, supplier onboarding, and related functions. We continuously drive process improvement through educational outreach, policy optimization, and alignment with Drexel’s sustainability goals. We uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism while working to support a dynamic and high-performing academic and research environment.

Essential Functions

• Strategic Sourcing Execution
  • Adopt and apply University-wide sourcing standards and best practices that align with Procurement policies and objectives.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to identify procurement needs, develop sourcing strategies, and execute competitive solicitations (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs).
  • Facilitate supplier negotiations to achieve optimal terms, cost savings, and value delivery.
• eProcurement System & Requisition Oversight
  • Review and approve purchase requisitions submitted by University stakeholders in the eProcurement system.
  • Monitor sourcing activity for compliance, timeliness, and alignment with budgetary guidelines.
  • Collaborate with Systems Administration as needed to address configuration or workflow enhancements.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Education
  • Maintain open channels of communication with internal stakeholders to anticipate and meet procurement needs.
  • Provide guidance on procurement processes, policies, and best practices.
  • Assist in the development and delivery of stakeholder training sessions on sourcing tools, compliance, and strategic procurement methods.
• Contract Development & Management
  • Work with the Procurement Contracts Specialist and Office of the General Counsel to review, negotiate, and finalize agreements.
  • Ensure timely execution of contracts and adherence to University policies and compliance requirements.
  • Maintain documentation to support contract lifecycle management.
• Other duties as assigned
  • Support departmental initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Participate in special projects as assigned by Procurement leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in business, finance, a related field or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, or procurement operations, including:
  • Demonstrated experience conducting RFPs and competitive solicitations.
  • Strong experience with supplier negotiations and reviewing business terms within contracts.
  • High level of expertise in strategic sourcing, contract development and negotiation, and supplier development.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Access) required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SAP Ariba preferred.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to analyze external trends and influences to develop sourcing plans.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Each member of the department is required to develop and exhibit high capabilities of emotional intelligence including, but not limited to: integrity, professional respect and empathy for their colleagues and customers, strong communication skills, extraordinary customer service, and a sense of duty and dedication to their work for Drexel University.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Lifting demands ≤ 25lbs

Location

Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt, grade L. Compensation for this grade ranges from $62,630.00 to $93,950.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

Advertised:Aug 20 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close:Sep 20 2025 Eastern Daylight Time