Supplier Engagement & Development Manager

Towson University (TU) has earned distinction as both a top-100 public university and one of the nation's great colleges to work for. Located north of Baltimore, TU currently enrolls over 19,000 students and is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland. Towson University fosters a climate that is grounded in respect to cultivate the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.

The Supplier Engagement & Development Manager provides guidance to Procurement and the University community related to the use of minority, small business, and veteran owned enterprises. This includes developing and executing a plan to expand outreach efforts to the broader campus to help departments understand, incorporate, and see the benefits of supplier engagement, and development, as it relates to delegated procurement activities. This role maintains all Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Small Business Reserve (SBR) data, and prepares all reports required by the Office of Small Minority & Women Business Affairs (OSBA), as required by COMAR 21.11.03.05. The selected candidate will update the University Procurement documents and be responsible for the implementation of all existing and new legislation regarding SBR, MBE or Veteran matters. This role will require the participation in campus sponsored community outreach events to expand outreach efforts to broaden the base of minority, women, veterans, and small business suppliers, and contractors, who can provide goods and services to Towson University.

Telework may be available for this position up to two days per week following the completion of 90 days of service in good standing.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Manage Towson University’s supplier engagement and development program by providing direction and supervision related to the use of minority, small and veteran businesses. Have a thorough understanding of mandatory reporting to the Office of Small, Minority, and Woman Business Affairs (OSBA) including any federal and state requirements. Develop Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and implementation of appropriate policies and programs, including new legislation regarding Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Veteran Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE), and Small Business Reserve (SBR) matters.
• Conduct supplier reporting including monitoring contractor spending and payment to subcontractor for compliance. Compile data and prepare quarterly, annual and ad hoc MBE, VSBE, and SBR reports to the Office of Small, Minority, & Women’s Business Affairs (OSBA). Assist in preparation of the strategic MBE, VSBE, and SBR plans and monitor the University’s vendor database to ensure all MBE/VSBE/SBR vendors are indicated as such in the system.
• Serve as Towson University’s MBE, VSBE, and SBR Liaison and interface with OSBA, vendors, procurement staff and other stakeholders to increase awareness and spending associated with these certified businesses.
• Coordinate supplier goal setting for individual purchases in accordance with applicable federal, state, University System of Maryland (USM), and Towson University policies and procedures. Utilize the Procurement Review Group (PRG) process to review and establish MBE, VSBE, and/or SBR goals/set-asides for procurement.
• Develop programs to increase opportunities for certified MBE, VSBE, and SBR in accordance with applicable Federal, State, USM and TU policies and procedures.
• Represent Towson University to the business community by hosting, presenting and participating in outreach programs and events that advance supplier engagement and development in Towson University’s procurement opportunities.
• Assist procurement staff with the interpretation of contract/acquisition law and requirements as it relates to MBE, VSBE, and SBR compliance and assist with resolving contract disputes pertaining to MBE, VSBE, and SBR compliance contract issues.
• Present the University’s MBE, VSBE, and SBR Programs to the campus community and support the institution’s anchor initiative by promoting supplier engagement and development in procurement activities.
• Represent TU on the Maryland Green Committee to include providing information, assistance, and guidelines for environmentally preferable purchasing, so that TU is procuring goods and services that have a lesser or reduced impact on human health and the environment. Handles reporting requirements.
• Solicit, evaluate and award low to moderate-value contracts. Identify new sources, validate sole-source justifications, and furnish end users with source, price and delivery data. Draft solicitation documents with input from higher-level Procurement personnel as appropriate. Source procurements pursuant to USM Procurement Policies and Procedures.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree and three years of experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Knowledge of the business environment/practical experience in business.
• Skill to quickly grasp/assess a wide variety of markets and industries. Ability to be attentive to detail, despite distractions/interruptions, to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Advanced level of skill with personal computer, including word-processing, spreadsheets and basic math skills; Ability to prioritize multiple simultaneous tasks and complete tasks on schedule.
• Skill in handling a variety of stakeholders, including campus customers, suppliers, elected/appointed officials and the general public. Skill in managing/resolving conflict and achieving consensus. Skill in technical writing and public presentations--including persuasive writing/speaking.
• Ability to represent the University effectively in a variety of public settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong preference for knowledge of Maryland procurement statutes regulations, Towson University and USM Procurement Policies and Procedures and public-sector/higher education purchasing practices.
• Experience in higher-education or public-sector procurement preferred with a focus on OSBA MBE, VSBE, and SBR standards and reporting requirements.

Salary and Benefits

Targeted salary range of $87,000-$92,000 annually and full University benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 17 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, click here. TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here.

This position will be open for a minimum of 14 days. For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume with your online application.