[Hiring] Procurement Transformation Manager @Cornell University

Role Description

Are you passionate about transforming business processes, driving organizational change, and creating exceptional user experiences through innovative procurement solutions? Cornell University is seeking a Procurement Transformation Manager (CEMI) to help shape the future of procurement across one of the world's leading research universities.

In this highly visible role, you will lead strategic initiatives that modernize procurement operations, enhance supplier engagement, streamline processes, and deliver meaningful value to the Cornell community. Working across Cornell University and Weill Cornell Medicine, you will collaborate with leaders, stakeholders, suppliers, and technology partners to advance the Cornell Experience Modernization Initiative (CEMI) and help build a more efficient, data-driven, and user-centered procurement ecosystem.

This is a 2 year term appointment which may be ended or extended based on organizational needs, funding availability, and performance.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by:

• Communicating across differences
• Being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming
• Showing respect, compassion, and empathy
• Engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective
• Speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately
• Supporting work/life integration of oneself and others

What You'll Do

• Lead Procurement Transformation & Modernization
  • Leading complex procurement modernization projects that support CEMI
  • Managing cross-functional initiatives involving stakeholders, suppliers, and technology providers
  • Developing project plans, implementation strategies, and communication plans
  • Redesigning business processes and driving continuous improvement efforts
  • Monitoring project risks, dependencies, timelines, and outcomes
  • Establishing metrics and measuring program success
  • Supporting modernization initiatives across:
    • eProcurement
    • Intake and orchestration solutions
    • Requisition-to-PO processes
    • Contract lifecycle management platforms
• Drive Supplier & Marketplace Strategy
  • Leading supplier agreement harmonization across Cornell and Weill Cornell Medicine
  • Managing and optimizing Jaggaer ePro and related catalog solutions
  • Leading implementation and adoption of the Labviva marketplace platform
  • Developing supplier onboarding and enablement strategies
  • Negotiating catalog pricing, service levels, and commercial terms
  • Driving adoption of AI-enabled purchasing and catalog search capabilities
• Lead Strategic Sourcing & Contracting Efforts
  • Leading complex RFI, RFP, RFQ, and strategic sourcing initiatives
  • Developing category and sourcing strategies for high-value spend areas
  • Negotiating commercial, operational, and business terms
  • Managing contract review and approval processes
  • Partnering with General Counsel, Risk Management, Information Security, and business stakeholders to support contract execution
• Champion Change Management & Adoption
  • Building strong partnerships across the university
  • Serving as a trusted advisor to departments, suppliers, and platform providers
  • Developing communication, training, and change management plans
  • Facilitating workshops, governance meetings, and stakeholder engagement sessions
  • Resolving complex implementation issues and balancing competing priorities
  • Building consensus among diverse stakeholder groups

Qualifications

• A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, contracts management, procurement technology, or related business operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience leading procurement transformation, process improvement, systems implementation, or organizational change initiatives.
• Experience managing strategic supplier relationships and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Proven experience leading competitive sourcing events, including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, supplier evaluations, and negotiations.
• Experience developing, negotiating, and administering contracts in collaboration with legal, risk, compliance, and business stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups without direct authority.
• Experience analyzing business processes and implementing solutions that improve operational efficiency, compliance, user experience, and organizational performance.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and issue resolution.
• Outstanding verbal, written, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and operate independently in a highly decentralized and complex organizational environment.
• Proficiency with procurement systems, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Requirements

• It Would Be a Bonus if You Have Any of the Following:
  • MBA or progress toward an advanced degree
  • Familiarity with Cornell future-state procurement or ERP systems (e.g., Workday, Jaggaer, Labviva)
  • Professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CPM, NAEP, ISM)
  • Familiarity and experience utilizing data warehouse, data analytics, and reporting tools.

Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays, and two additional floating holidays.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.