Job Description

Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range $95,000 - $110,000
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S5
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type Full-time
Unionized Position Code Not Applicable
Job Description
The Senior Supply Chain Project Manager provides the University with a forward-looking, data-driven view of its supply base and leads the initiatives that improve it. Reporting to the AVP, Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), this role will partner with the Assistant Director of Strategic Sourcing to manage commodity spend, market trends, and savings efforts across the institution, while leading cross-functional projects that modernize procurement and supplier payment operations.
This is a senior, hands-on role for a proven supply chain and operations professional. The successful candidate will, bringing the operational depth and market insight to turn spend data into savings, and plans into results. This role will lead strategic and project-based work.
Education and Experience
Required Qualifications -Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, operations, business, or a related field
Significant progressive experience in supply chain and operations management, typically 10 or more years, including direct responsibility for supply chain, commodity management, and large-scale operational programs
Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional projects and teams with measurable savings or efficiency results
Strong analytical skills, with experience in complex spend analysis, market and commodity analysis, and cost modeling.
Advanced experience with ERP (Oracle, SAP, Peoplesoft) and analytics systems (Excel, BI, Smart sheets, Anthropic AI).
Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to brief senior leaders
Proven ability to build relationships and influence without direct authority
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree (MBA or similar)
Professional certification such as CPSM, CSCP, CPM, or PMP
Experience in higher education, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing or another complex public-service or nonprofit environment.
Experience with travel and expense, booking, or supplier payment systems
Advanced experience analyzing and implementing supplier rebate programs, leading contract negotiations, and establishing PPV/PPI programs
Familiarity with public procurement requirements and grant-funded purchasing
Skills and Knowledge
Core Competencies
Strategic thinking with strong operational follow-through
Data-driven decision making
Project and change management
Supplier and stakeholder relationship management
Sound judgment, discretion, and integrity
Collaboration across departments and levels
Responsibilities
Commodity and Market Management
Monitor pricing, supply disruptions, and market trends for the University’s major spend categories, and brief the CPO and leadership on risks and opportunities
Develop commodity strategies and category plans in partnership with Strategic Sourcing, using spend data to set priorities
Anticipate cost pressures and recommend timing, volume, and supplier strategies to mitigate them.
Savings and Supplier Programs
Lead the identification, tracking, and reporting of cost savings and avoidance across the University
Develop and manage leveraged supplier programs, including rebate and discount agreements such as airline, hotel, and rental car programs
Partner with Strategic Sourcing to consolidate spend, strengthen supplier relationships, and increase contract coverage.
Project and Initiative Leadership
Lead cross-functional projects from scope through implementation, including the evaluation and rollout of a unified travel booking and expense platform
Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk registers, and communicate status to the CPO and stakeholders
Engage campus partners, including large traveling and purchasing groups, through surveys, feedback sessions, and change management.
Operations and Process Improvement
Analyze procurement and supplier payment processes to reduce manual work, cycle times, and errors
Design and maintain spend analytics, dashboards, and performance measures for leadership
Support policy development and compliance and promote consistent use of University systems and contracts.
Support to the Chief Procurement Officer
Provide analysis, briefings, and recommendations that inform enterprise procurement strategy
Represent Procurement on committees and in meetings as delegated by the CPO
Partner with the Assistant Directors of Procurement and Strategic Sourcing to keep strategic and day-to-day work aligned