66505BRAuto req ID:66505BRJob Code:FN0362 Financial Operations Director Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Chief Procurement Office/Senior Director of Strategic ProcurementSub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :062Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in relevant field with at least 5 years management experience required.

• Experience in procurement, general management and electronic commerce

• Experience with negotiations and change management

• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• MBA, CSM or CPSM preferred.

• Ability to lead and motivate professional staff in a hybrid environment.

• Expertise in developing and implementing strategic procurement roadmaps incorporating emerging technologies like AI, analytics and automation.

• Ability to analyze complex procurement problems, challenges, and opportunities through a strategic lens

• Ability to think holistically and strategically about complex challenges.

• High level of proficiency with data analytics, metrics, and business intelligence

• Skilled in extracting insights and making data-driven decisions, identifying areas for improvement.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills to clearly articulate strategies, business cases, and procurement’s evolving roles to diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to navigate different organizational cultures, motivations and priorities

• Ability to facilitate change management in a way that is sensitive to organizational dynamics, culture and politics.

• Demonstrated success building strong internal and external relationships at all levels; using collaboration and influence to gain buy-in and commitment to strategic initiatives and goals.

• Strong change management skills to lead the procurement function through an evolving, digital transformation; ability to drive and manage change effectively.

Key competencies Required:

• Building Internal Partnerships, Facilitating Change, Gaining Commitment, Collaboration/Teamwork, Planning and Organizing (Project Management), Communication, Customer Focus, Valuing Diversity, Technical/Professional Knowledge.

Additional Information:

Please provide a cover letter with your application.

Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.

• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.

• This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Accessibility:

Harvard University IT plays an important role in supporting Harvard's commitment by seeking to create, procure and deploy technologies that are accessible to all, including and especially those who live with disability. Harvard welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.

Department:Strategic ProcurementPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentityJob Function:Finance Position Description:The CPO/ Senior Director leads and manages the Strategic Procurement (SP) team of 50, including 3 direct reports. SP includes a broad range of functions including Strategic Sourcing, Strategic Contracting, Procure to Pay Operations (Accounts Payable, Supplier Onboarding and Maintenance, P2P Program Management, Travel and Expense Management and Card Services), and the Office for Economic Inclusion and Diversity.

As a member of the Financial Administration Leadership Team, the CPO/ Senior Director works in close consultation with internal stakeholders across the university to define end-user requirements and ensure that the University’s procure to pay strategies and systems deliver optimal value. The CPO/ Senior Director serves as the primary advocate for the University’s highest priority purchasing initiatives. The Senior Director/CPO supports the University in its Social, Environmental, and Governance (ESG) initiatives and programs including supplier diversity and inclusion, and sustainability.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Develops and executes procure to pay strategies and initiatives to optimize value and quality for all products, equipment, supplies and services purchased with University funds; ensure that strategies align with Harvard’s mission and objectives.

• Provides vision and leadership for campus-wide procurement initiatives in collaboration with local procurement functions across the University.

• Manages staffing, coaching, development, direction, support, and guidance to strategic procurement staff.

• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with key stakeholders at all levels across the University including but not limited to administrative deans, financial deans and their staffs, and procurement/operations teams.

• Organizes and facilitates internal stakeholder groups to obtain end user perspectives on vendor relationships and requirements, system functionality and enhancements, policies and procedures; ensure open communication channels exist to identify opportunities for continuous improvement

• Negotiates business terms of vendor contracts on behalf of the University; collaborates with the Office of the General Counsel to manage legal risks of contractual agreements, and with other offices within Financial Administration to ensure operational viability and support.

• Plays significant role in the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of eProcurement and related IT initiatives including all aspects of the procure-to-pay life cycle, supplier enablement, contract management, electronic trading relationships, sourcing tools, project management, electronic invoicing and settlement, problem resolution, and customer support that will lead to greater adoption and benefits for the University.

• Manages vendor performance and relationships to ensure that University-wide product and service agreements provide agreed-upon benefits and value, and that vendors comply with pricing and other contractual terms and conditions.

• Investigates concerns raised by and with preferred vendors in collaboration with other groups as appropriate.

• Helps ensure compliance with federal and other regulations regarding procurements. Collaborates with the Office of Sponsored Programs to provide support to federal grant recipients regarding procurement regulations.

• Leverages data and analytics to continuously improve processes, strategies and decision making.

• Stays abreast of industry trends and implements emerging technologies like AI, advanced data analytics, and automation.

• Represents Harvard, in leadership roles, within a variety of national organizations.

School/Unit:Financial Administration EEO Statement:We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.Job Summary:Reporting to Harvard University’s Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Procurement Officer/Senior Director of Strategic Procurement plays a lead role in setting the strategic direction, policies, guidance and training to drive long-term value and optimize Harvard’s $2.5B of addressable annual spending. The Senior Director/CPO is responsible for developing and implementing data-driven, technologically innovative strategies that leverage the University’s buying power to reduce operating costs, manage the supply chain, and mitigate risks.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.

• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.

• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.

• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.

• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.

• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.

• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.

• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format:Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote) LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-AB1Work Format Details:This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.About Us:

More about FAD:

Within and across the University, we aim to be exemplary colleagues, trusted partners, valued advisors, and agents of positive change.

Within our own community, we aspire to:

• Engage with respect, honesty, and integrity

• Cultivate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging

• Welcome innovation, collaboration, and flexibility

• Enjoy our work, grow professionally, and aim for the extraordinary

Learn more about Financial Administration (harvard.edu) and our eight reporting units. (https://finance.harvard.edu/)