Information Technology Category Manager

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Procurement Services and Materials Management is responsible for the acquisition of goods and services, stocking and distribution of products, tracking capital assets, managing the University's payment card & travel programs, and the development of business processes that seek continuous improvements in efficiency, effectiveness and user satisfaction. Procurement Services and Materials Management is responsible for the procurement cycle of all goods and services required to sustain, foster and support the education and research missions of the University.

Procurement Services and Materials Management includes the following units:
Purchasing Services.
eProcurement and Materials Management.
Travel & Payment Card Services.

Purchasing Services provides supply management support to University departments, with responsibility for the procurement of goods and services in excess of $600 million annually. All goods and services should be purchased using one of the University's procurement systems: eProcurement, University storerooms or directly from the vendor using a purchasing card, purchase order, campus voucher or requisition.

Hybrid: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Information Technology Category Manager leads the strategic sourcing activities for Information Technology spend categories such as Hardware, Maintenance, Client Services, and Software Licensing, with the goal of achieving significant initial cost reductions, while maintaining/improving supplier service levels. The successful candidate will work closely with key stakeholders to develop effective cost reduction strategies and implementation plans. The Category Manager's primary responsibility is to utilize strategic sourcing best practices to capture real savings while making effective supply base decisions. This includes direct savings captured through consolidating University-wide purchasing volume and applying Total Cost of Ownership levers to reduce cost and manage contracts with suppliers. This position will procure goods and services in accordance with appropriate State of North Carolina, University and/or federal policies and provide internal customer support. The position reports to the Director of Purchasing Services.

This position is scheduled for a normal 8:00am to 5:00pm work shift; however, the position carries a professional obligation to work additional hours when necessary to ensure performance of required duties or to meet deadlines.

Bachelor's degree; or Associate's degree and two years of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

In-depth knowledge of procurement of goods and services.

Knowledge and experience working within ERP systems.

Excellent oral and written communications skills.

Strong customer service acumen with attention to detail and follow-up.

Strong technical and analytic skills; with the ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Must demonstrate excellent organization and problem-solving skills with the ability to multi-task upon demand.

Ability to operate independently to achieve results and communicate effectively.

Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and familiarity with Outlook, etc.

Prefer candidate with five (5) plus years of purchasing experience in Information Technology Software, Hardware, and services.

Have in-depth knowledge of North Carolina State or other State Government rules and regulations pertaining to procurement.

Bachelor degree or higher is preferred.

N/A

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.