Assistant Vice President of Procurement and Payments - Finance Division
- Employer
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Location
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Salary
- Competitive Salary
- Date posted
- Jan 7, 2025
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Job Details
The Assistant Vice President of Procurement and Payments provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the organization's procurement and accounts payable functions. This role is responsible for developing and implementing policies, processes, and systems to optimize supplier relationships, ensure cost-effective procurement practices, and streamline accounts payable operations. This position ensures effective financial operations, compliance with internal controls, industry best practices, and leads Carnegie Mellon through the continuously evolving regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement and organizational excellence.
Carnegie Mellon's faculty, staff, and students work together to change the world, and the procurement and accounts payable teams enables them to purchase and pay for the goods and services they need to advance the strategic goals and mission of the university. We are committed to providing our buying and paying community with the information, processes, and tools to make effective buying and paying decisions while meeting its compliance obligations.
Core responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute a strategic vision for a streamlined procurement and accounts payable organization and systems, aligned with organizational goals.
- Ensure compliance considerations are integrated into strategic planning and operational execution, minimizing risks and aligning with evolving regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with leadership across campus departments to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with business needs, efficient payment processing and effective supplier management.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives to integrate university policies, compliance and accounting standards to maintain integrity and efficiency of the overall global procure to pay model.
- Proficient and demonstrated in data analytics, leverage advanced tools and methodologies to extract insights, identify trends, monitor performance, and make data informed, data driven decisions in procurement and accounts payable processes, driving efficiency and value.
- Seeks to enhance procurement services using technology and relationship building in order to facilitate efficiency and ease of use for campus stakeholders.
- Oversee procurement activities, including vendor sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management and purchase order management, ensuring cost-effective and ethical practices.
- Develop and enforce procurement policies, ensuring alignment with legal, compliance and regulatory requirements.
- Lead initiatives to enhance cost savings, supplier diversity, and sustainable procurement practices.
- Implement and optimize procurement systems and tools to enhance efficiency, data analytics capabilities, and decision-making.
- Use data analytics to evaluate supplier performance, identify cost-saving as well as rebate opportunities, and optimize procurement strategies.
- Oversees university purchasing card program to meet the needs of the campus and complies with associated policies.
- Oversee the travel and expense management process.
- Identify and implement procurement technology solutions to enhance operations and analytics capabilities.
- Knowledge federal regulations inclusive of OMB 2 CFR 200, and FAR/DFARS and is responsible for associated regulations and reporting.
- Direct accounts payable operations to ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments.
- Implement systems and workflows to improve efficiency, mitigate risks, and improve accuracy.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, tax codes, and internal controls related to accounts payable.
- Lead efforts to automate and digitize accounts payable processes.
- Work with the finance team to develop budgets, forecasts, and financial analyses related to procurement and accounts payable.
- Manage risk by implementing strategies to reduce fraud, improve contract terms, and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Ensure compliance with university policies, audit requirements, and applicable laws, Uniform Guidance and federal, state and local regulations.
- Motivate and lead high-performing (multimodal) teams to ensure commitments are met and organizational support is maintained.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the department, and with university partners.
- Provide mentoring and career development opportunities for team members. Inspiring groups to maintain the highest quality and service. Providing training and coaching as needed.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners.
- Providing strategic leadership and guidance to the campus partners and university leadership.
You should demonstrate:
- Comprehensive understanding of procurement best practices, sourcing strategies, and vendor management.
- Expertise in accounts payable processes, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
- Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans and lead large-scale initiatives.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Technology oriented and demonstrated experience in various forms of payment technologies.
- Proficiency in procurement and financial systems (e.g., ERP platforms, e-invoicing software, eProcurement, Payment Works).
- Exceptional communication skills, interpersonal skills, diplomacy and the ability to interact and build trusted relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, accounts payable, or related financial operations, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in leading procurement strategies, optimizing accounts payable operations, and implementing compliance frameworks while achieving measurable outcomes in cost savings, efficiency, and risk mitigation.
- Proven track record of driving process improvements and delivering results through data-driven decision-making.
- Experience working with and implementing payment or procurement systems such as PaymentWorks or EProcurement is a plus.
- Working in a decentralized and complex research environment navigating diverse stakeholders, interdisciplinary collaborations, and dynamic priorities with adaptability, strategic coordination, and effective communication is required.
- Successful background check
- Sponsorship : Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.
- Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in office presence 2 days a week.
Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays . Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access , and so much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page .
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
University Administration and Management
Position Type
Staff – Regular
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
More Information:
- Please visit “ Why Carnegie
Mellon ” to learn more about becoming part of an
institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
- Click here to view
a listing of employee benefits
- Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity
Employer/Disability/Veteran .
-
Statement of Assurance
Company
Carnegie Mellon University challenges the curious and passionate to imagine and deliver work that matters.
A private, global research university, Carnegie Mellon stands among the world's most renowned educational institutions, and sets its own course.
Carnegie Mellon was founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie under the premise that a school established to foster and develop the technical skills of its students would soon produce students and graduates whose work would astound Pittsburgh and the world. Over 120 years later, our institution continues to produce talented alumni and draws faculty and staff eager to be a part of the university's creative, passionate and close-knit community. We place emphasis on practical problem solving, interdisciplinary learning, an entrepreneurial spirit, and collaboration.
Over the past 10 years, more than 400 startups linked to CMU have raised more than $7 billion in follow-on funding. Those investment numbers are especially high because of the sheer size of Pittsburgh’s growing autonomous vehicles cluster – including Uber, Aurora, Waymo and Motional – all of which are here because of their strong ties to CMU.
With cutting-edge brain science, path-breaking performances, innovative startups, driverless cars, big data, big ambitions, Nobel and Turing prizes, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn't imagine the future, we create it.
Pittsburgh is home to over 86,000 students from 10 colleges and universities. Pittsburgh was ranked as one of the top U.S. cities for millennials.
Some 177,000 people work in Pittsburgh's tech-related industries, and their ranks continue to grow as the city tops lists for jobs. Networking opportunities, small business accelerators, and an innovative community make the city appealing to entrepreneurs, especially recent graduates.
Pittsburgh is emerging as a tech and culture hub that The Washington Post praises for its "world-class art museums and colorful neighborhoods."
Robotics and software engineering lead the way. The city is home to Google, Uber and Apple offices and a budding ecosystem of tech startups including Duolingo, Modcloth and 4Moms, all of which have CMU roots.
Many seek Pittsburgh for being a hot spot for entrepreneurship and a model for future cities. Others come for the city's burgeoning food scene.
You’ll find CMU locations nationwide — and worldwide. Silicon Valley. Qatar. Africa. Washington, D.C. To name a few.
If your heart is in your work, come work with us.
Carnegie Mellon University isn't just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions — it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues — and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.
Carnegie Mellon University offers a wide range of competitive employee benefits to help you live well. Benefit eligibility varies based on the hours per week employees are scheduled to work and the employee's geographic location
We seek to cultivate diverse populations and perspectives and promote equity and inclusion. Our devotion to these ideals springs from a core belief in the power of education to be a transformative and enriching force for every person, irrespective of their background, identity or life circumstances.
Inclusion and belonging are intricately interwoven into the very essence of our university, helping to shape our values, policies and practices. Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are not only central to our ethos but also indispensable to our pursuit of academic excellence and innovation.
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